The LDF government guillotined the assembly’s budget session, and the opposition has declared that they will intensify their public protests in the following days.
On April 1, when the state government’s new taxes go into effect, the UDF will observe a black day. In response to an attendant’s sexual assault on a female patient recovering from thyroid surgery in the ICU of Kozhikode Medical College, the UDF has also called for the resignation of Health Minister Veena George.
Leaders of the UDF came under fire for announcing their intention to occupy the Secretariat during the second week of May, the same week as the LDF government’s second anniversary.
This had drawn criticism from a variety of sources as questions regarding the UDF protests in March and April were raised.
UDF convener M. Hassan announced on Wednesday that on April 1, activists wearing black badges would stage torchlight demonstrations in all panchayats, towns, and cities.
“During the last few days, the LDF government had not allowed the Opposition to raise an adjournment motion on atrocities against women. Apart from seeking the health minister’s resignation, we have also asked the women’s organisations of the UDF to take up protests against Veena George”, said Hassan.
On the LDF government’s second anniversary, the opposition has also planned to produce a charge sheet against it, and it is considering taking legal action if the state decides to prosecute seven opposition MLAs, including two women lawmakers, on non-bailable offences.
Women’s organisations within the UDF have been urged to take part in demonstrations against Veena George, and UDF leaders have vowed to battle the LDF government tooth and nail in the ensuing days. The UDF intends to further up its protests outside the assembly against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, despite rumours that he may take his time pursuing the case against the legislators.
