"I still hope that the LDF would not totally oppose Emerging Kerala, as it is an enterprise meant for overall development of the state," Chandy told reporters here today.
The CPI(M)-led Opposition has sharply attacked the venture alleging that it appeared to be a ruse to alienate natural wealth to private business interests and signalled that its presence would not be there at the inauguration of the three- day event at Kochi by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on September 12.
Chandy said the government had adequately responded to the questions raised by the LDF about some of the projects to be showcased at the Emerging Kerala.
"The opposition's co-operation and presence at the opening session would give a message of unity and consensus on the developmental front. The outcome of the enterprise and its follow-up would belie all the doubts of the critics," he said.
Chandy said it would be quite natural to have differences between the government and the opposition over many issues. Still, there were areas where a consensus was possible.
The Chief Minister also refuted as "baseless" reports that plans were afoot to hand over heritage property Halcyon Castle on the Kovalam beach near here to the owner of a five-star hotel located close to it.
The castle and 4.13 hectares of land adjoining it were taken over through an ordinance in 2005.But the owner of the hotel had challenged it in the high court and the ordinance invalidated. The government's appeal is pending with the division bench and the case was being pursued well.
The Government's firm stand was that not a single inch of the land around the heritage property would be alienated, he added.
