LDF to step up agitation for Chandy's resignation

Intensifying its agitation for the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over the solar panel scam, CPI-M led LDF Opposition in Kerala today announced it would lay an indefinite "day and night" blockade of the state secretariat here from August 12.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the front leaders Chaired by Opposition leader and CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, LDF Convener Vaikom Viswam said hundreds of LDF activists from across the state would hold indefinite 24-hour siege of the secretariat as part of the agitation.
"We will continue the stir till the resignation of Chandy from the Chief Minister post," he added.

The LDF has been demanding the resignation of Chandy after some of his personal staff's links with the scam accused came to light. Chandy, however, has ruled out his resignation.
Viswam said the ongoing day and night dharna in front of the secretariat and in district headquarters would end on August 4.

As a prelude to the secretariat siege, vehicle campaign rallies would be held in the state to explain to the people need for intensifying the stir, he added.
The decision of the LDF to boycott the functions attended by Chief Minister would continue, he said.
Viswam alleged that due to the scam the government functioning had come to a standstill which had its adverse impact in all sectors including health and education.

The scam pertains to financial cheating of large number of people by main accused Saritha Nair and Biju Radhakrishnan. It took a serious political turn after arrest of a close personal aide of Chandy for his alleged links with the fraudsters.
Two other personal staff members of Chandy were removed and state Public Relations Director A Firoz was also arrested in a related case.