Kerala is seeing a goonda raj: Opposition

KOCHI: As part of its strategy of training its guns on chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's office and his portfolios, the Kerala opposition parties have charged that the state is witnessing a goonda raj.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged goonda raj is existing because of the lack of unity between the top police officials. Congress MLA PT Thomas alleged that a police official with high rank has links with the goonda gangs in the state.

Seeking permission for an adjournment motion in the Assembly, Thomas charged that the recent acts of violence by goonda gangs in Kochi exposed their connections with the politically sensitive Kannur. However, Vi j aya n , who is handling home por tfolio, said a special police team will be formed to break the goonda gangs in the state. He said that no sort of political patronage will be given to goondas. He assured the House that the criminal gangs will be controlled.

Ever since the Pinarayi Vijayan ministry was elected to power, the opposition campaign remained focused on the chief minister. The Congress-led UDF blamed Vijayan for Vigilance chief Jacob Thomas's request to relieve him off the Vigilance director's post and for his complaint that his phone and e-mail were being tapped.

When the industries minister EP Jayarajan resigned based on charges of nepotism, the opposition party leaders had also demanded that the inquiry that was ordered against the minister should also cover the chief minister's role in the incident. Along with the BJP, the UDF had blamed the government for violence in Kannur.The UDF leaders said that the Kannur violence is the result of the inefficiency of the home ministry.