Pinarayi Vijayan takes to radio as LDF completes 100 days in power

The Kerela CM also listed disbursal of welfare pension to beneficiaries among some of his government's achievements

With his government completing 100 days in office, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reached out to people through All India Radio, cautioning them against the threat posed by communal forces and drug mafia in society.

Similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Maan Ki Baat' radio programme, Vijayan, in his about 10-minute address, said, "The unity of people is essential for the overall development of the state. Certain forces are trying to destroy this unity. But this government is committed to safeguarding the human values and people's goodness irrespective of religious and communal divide."

Cautioning against the threat posed by communal forces and the drug mafia in the society, he stressed the need for protecting children from falling victim to the menace.

Terming children as the architects of tomorrow, Vijayan said parents should be vigilant of any small change in the behaviour of their children.

Seeking support from parents in combating the drug menace, he said, "We need to be always cautious about our children. We must keep our eyes open to the small changes in their behaviour. In case of need, the services of teachers and counsellors should be taken," Vijayan said.

"If we strive together, we can root out the huge danger of drug menace completely from the society," he said.

Pointing out that solid waste management was another area of concern for the state, he said people should segregate and dispose solid waste at the place of origin itself.

Cultivation of organic vegetables should be expanded to achieve food security and build up a healthy generation, he said.

"Though we are far ahead in terms of literacy, we are just throwing garbage on roadsides and others' properties. We should try to dispose waste as much as we can at its origin itself," he said.

"A garbage-free and open-defecation free Kerala is possible through coordinated efforts," the chief minister said.

Claiming that the LDF government could bring in substantial changes in the last 100 days, Vijayan said they were following a "two-pronged" approach of stepping up measures for long-term development and taking immediate steps to redress grievances of the marginalised sections.

Vijayan also listed disbursal of welfare pension to beneficiaries among some of his government's achievements after it was voted to power in May 16 Assembly polls.