LDF Govt In Kerala Steeped In Corruption, Says Sonia

Harippad (Ker), Apr 6 :  Congress President Sonia Gandhi today alleged that "scams and corruptions" were the hallmark of LDF government in Kerala and called CPI(M) a party lacking ideologies and principles.

Under the LDF rule, Kerala has slipped behind in every sector as CPI-M was always opposed to "every modern, forward looking development", she said at an election meeting at Harippad, where KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala is contesting.

"In the last five years under LDF rule, Kerala lagged behind. They are steeped in corruption. Scams after scams have taken place. Liquor, land and lottery syndicates are behind the government. They are ruling the rural areas," she said.

CPI(M) was also opposed to all "modern, forward looking" developments she said and recalled how they had resisted introduction of tractors and computers in the past. While India sustained economic growth under the UPA government in spite of the world financial meltdown, Kerala had suffered under LDF rule, she claimed.

Speaking from an area hit by the 2004 tsunami, she said the LDF Government had totally neglected even those hit by the natural calamity, not utilising properly the central aid to provide relief to those affected.

"Have they taken care of the people of Kerala? This is a question you have to ask and they have to reply," she said.

In contrast, UPA had initiated a series of steps for the welfare of various sections of people like farmers, fishermen, plantation labourers, women and anganwadi workers. A Rs 500 crore fund was set up to support Self Help Groups, she said.

If UDF came to power in Kerala, it would be able to utilise the central funds and schemes in a better way for the state, Gandhi added. PTI