Kerala CM's Facebook post on general strike courts row

Kerala Chief Minister leader Pinarayi Vijayan's Facebook post on the nationwide strike called by Central trade unions on September 2 has courted controversy with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming out against it.

Reacting to it, the state BJP president Kummanam Rajasekharan questioned the Chief Minister's call in support of the strike, a day after he appealed to state government employees to avoid Onam festivities at office premises during work hours as it could cause inconvenience to the public.

The BJP leader said Vijayan should first rein in trade union leaders of his party who strike work and conduct union activities during office hours, rather than imposing restrictions on Onam festivities.

BJP state general secretary K Surendran alleged that the Chief Minister, by seeking support for the strike, has violated law.

"Chief Minister, who has to ensure freedom of movement of citizens, is seeking support for the strike," he said.

Vijayan wrote on Facebook that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) central committee has called for a general strike on September 2 and as part of its online campaign, by clicking on a link, one can express solidarity with the cause.

He had yesterday asked state government employees to ensure that Onam celebrations were not held at office premises during work hours as it was not appropriate.