Senior LDF leaders to participate in Aug 12 protest

CPI-M led LDF Opposition in Kerala today said it was firm to go ahead with its stir near the Secretariat here from August 12, demanding resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over the solar scam.
Rejecting Chandy's charge that the stir was to topple a democratically elected government, Front Convener Vaikom Viswam told reporters here that "as long as the UDF enjoys majority in Assembly, LDF will not bring down the government through any unfair means."
Senior LDF leaders, including CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat, CPI Secretary Sudhakar Reddy and JD-S President and former Prime Minister Deve Gowda, would participate on the first day of the protest.

Referring to Chandy's statement that government would be forced to take stern action if the siege affects functioning of the government, Vaikom said "it is a reaction of an autocratic ruler who has been isolated from the people."
"But, Chandy cannot challenge the power of people and defeat the agitation for just cause," Viswam said, reiterating LDF demand for his resignation and face judicial probe.
The LDF stir would continue on August 15 also."We will not disturb Independence day functions", he said in reply to a question.
The scam pertains to financial cheating of several people by main accused Saritha Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan. It took a political turn after arrest of a personal aide of Chandy for his alleged links with the fraudsters. Two other personal staff members of Chandy were removed.