Shutdown in Kerala as LDF stages march against state Govt.

The CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Saturday led a protest march against the Kerala government and state Finance Minister K.M. Mani, leading to a day-long shutdown in the state.

The protest shutdown began at 6 a.m., although no untoward incidents have been reported till now. While two wheelers were seen plying on the roads, other vehicles including the state road transport buses and cars were nowhere to be seen.

Residents, meanwhile, have been greatly inconvenienced by the shutdown and fear violence at the hands of protesters.

"I started my journey from Nalanchira and need to go to East Fort to collect some materials. Facing so much difficulties . Not even a drop of water to drink . The hartals are making many issues to the common public and we have to be very cautious, may be somebody pelted stones," said a resident, Peter.

The Kerala Assembly had yesterday erupted in chaos as leaders of the opposition tried to prevent Mani, who is facing a vigilance probe in the bar scam case, from presenting the state budget. Several MLAs were also injured in the clash inside the assembly as the Speaker's chair and mics were thrown by the legislators.

The LDF, which has been demanding Mani's resignation, has alleged that the Finance Minister accepted a bribe of Rs. one crore to renew licences of bars that were shut down by the administration.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, however, had condemned the chaos in and outside the state Assembly during the budget session, and described the whole situation as unfortunate and caused by an adamant opposition.