Thiruvananthapuram: Reports of large-scale land grabs by private individuals and resorts in Munnar, one of Kerala’s popular tourism destinations, has triggered political strife within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala.
When the LDF was in power last time, during 2006-11, the then chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan had knocked down a number of resort buildings that were alleged to have been illegal constructions, and sparked a conflict between the Communist Party of India Marxist and the Communist Party of India, the two leading constituents of the LDF.
That rivalry has reared its head again, with the CPM and the CPI voicing contrasting opinions about land encroachments in Munnar.
Adding to the strife, the two camps within the CPM that owe their allegiance to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Achuthanandan are also hurling allegations against each other.
In the latest episode, forest minister M.M. Mani alleged on Wednesday that Achuthanandan, who had once led protests against the Tata Group in Munnar, was “now keeping quiet.”
Mani said he was refraining from saying anything more because of a party directive against statements. Earlier, Mani had responded to Achuthanandan’s announcement that he may visit Munnar, by stating that the visit was of “no importance”,
There are widespread complaints of rampant land encroachment in Munnar, particularly in Pallivasal and Chithirapuram areas.
One of those facing allegations of land encroachment is CPM’s Devikulam MLA, S. Rajendran. The MLA has stoutly denied the allegation but CPI leaders are pushing for action against Rajendran and against all those who have encroached on land.
The Bharatiya Janata Party state president, Kummanam Rajasekharan said it was the CPM and Congress that were helping the encroachers grab land in Munnar. “They are accusing each other to fool the people”, Rajasekharan said.
