'LDF govt raking up unnecessary issues to divert attention'

BJP today attacked the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala for raking up 'unnecessary controversies' to divert people's attention from burning issues like price rise.

"The ministers and CPI(M) leaders are creating unnecessary controversies to divert people's attention from the real issues like price rise. This is Onam festival season but this government is doing nothing to control skyrocketing prices of essential commodities," BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan told reporters here.

Hitting out at the CPI(M) leaders and ministers, he alleged that they were making controversial statements against traditions of lighting of lamps at government programmes as they face an "ideological crisis".
 

"Instead of making such statements, they should try to solve the problems being faced by people of the state. They may also say chanting of mantras and poojas are not allowed."

"Government is unnecessarily intervening in Sabarimala... Trying to impose everything on the people. It is cultural fascism," he said.

He also alleged that the government had failed to distribute books to school students even after completion of first term in this academic year.

The BJP leader was responding to statements by CPI(M) leaders on various issues, including Sreekrishna Jayanti celebrations.

CPI(M) had organised celebrations across Kerala on the occasion of Sreekrishna Jayanthi last week, accusing the Sangh Parivar organisations of using such occasions to build their political base in the state.

PWD Minister G Sudhakaran is in the eye of a storm over his remarks that lighting of lamps and singing of religious hymns at government programmes and functions at schools should be avoided.

Health Minister K K Shylaja, another senior member in the Vijayan government, had also courted controversy recently by voicing displeasure against the recitation of Sanskrit hymns during a yoga demonstration, organised in connection with the International Yoga Day on June 21.