Kerala’s ruling front gets into poll mode

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - With Kerala assembly elections scheduled for the first half of next year, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition Wednesday asked the Achuthanandan government to step up its social welfare schemes.

At a meeting here of the LDF’s liaison committee, the coalition’s highest decision making forum, it was agreed to put special emphasis on “aam admi” programmes.

It asked the state government to revamp the below poverty line (BPL) list by next month.

Addressing reporters here, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan rubbished suggestions that the recommendations were made with an eye to polls.

“This government is one that has done the maximum for the people. We always review our programmes,” said Viswan.

Other recommendations include giving title deeds to those living on lands belonging to village panchayats, taking over excess land owned by plantation majors like Harrison Malayalam and Kannan Devan Hill, and relaxing home building rules.

It also asked the government not to harass limestone quarry owners.

“This does not mean that they will be allowed to flout rules,” added Viswan.

The LDF is anxious to get these schemes off the block before the model code of conduct for next year’s polls comes into effect.

–Indo Asian News Service