Nayanar criticises jumbo Cabinet

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUNE 12. Despite the austerity measures announced by the Chief Minister, Mr. A.K. Antony, and a ban on recruitment, the Government will have to bear an additional burden of Rs. 25 crores for maintaining the jumbo Cabinet, according to the former Chief Minister and CPI(M) politburo member, Mr. E.K. Nayanar.

Inaugurating a public meeting organised at Gandhi Park in connection with the three-day 38th State conference of the Kerala NGO Union which concluded here today, Mr. Nayanar said the UDF Government was following the footsteps of the NDA Government at the Centre by announcing a ban on recruitment.

Pointing to the massive unemployment figures in the State, the CPI(M) politburo member wondered what the educated unemployed youth would do in view of the ban on recruitment. Mr. Nayanar alleged a conspiracy to sabotage the decentralisation process.

Accusing the United Democratic Front Government of being communal, Mr. Nayanar said although the All India Congress Committee (AICC) was of secular character at the national level, it is not reflected in the State. The former Chief Minister urged all political parties to unite to prevent recurrence of violent incidents that took place in Nadapuram and Cheruvathoor.

Pointing out that the LDF Government headed by him had almost finalised the terms and conditions for securing a Rs. 350-crore loan from the Asian Development Bank, Mr. Nayanar expressed apprehension whether the UDF Government will avail the loan.

The Mayor and the chairperson of the reception committee, Ms. J. Chandra, Mr. P.C. George, MLA, the NCP leader, Mr. Karakulam Krishna Pillai, the president of the Kerala NGO Union, Mr. K. Varadarajan, and the general secretary, Mr. C.H. Asokan, were among those who were present.

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Section  : Southern States
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