Oppn attack far worse than hitting 'below the belt': Chandy

Slamming the CPI(M) led LDF ahead of the May 16 assembly polls, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, has said the opposition onslaught against him during the last five years was far worse than hitting an opponent "below the belt."
"To level horrible allegations, it is called hitting below the belt in English. But, the personal attack was so severe that it was far worse than hitting someone below the belt," Chandy, who was the epicentre of the opposition attack, said in an article here.
"Family is the greatest asset for all of us. Opposition tried to drag my family members in various allegations and weaken me," Chandy, apparently referring to the solar scam in which his family was also dragged.

"Had any other Chief Minister in the history of Kerala been hunted like this?," Chandy asked.
Attacking the LDF, Chandy said opposition did not support the government on any matters, but only created "hurdles" for development and they have set a very bad precedent.
Referring to the solar scam that rocked the state since 2013, Chandy said the opposition had relied on the words of anaccused undergoing life imprisonment for his wife's murder and another accused involved in 33 cheating cases.

They became contemptuous in front of the people of the state by going after charges levelled by criminals, he said.

BJP in the state acted as 'B' team of LDF, Chandy said not sparing the saffron party also.
The solar scam pertains to cheating of huge sums allegedly by Saritha Nair along with her accomplice Biju Radhakrishnan by offering people solar panel solutions.
Radhakrishnan is in prison on charges of murdering his wife, while Saritha is now out on bail.
The case shook the state's Congress-led UDF government after it took a political turn following the alleged link between three staff in Chief Minister's office and the accused.
Expressing confidence that Congress led UDF would return
to power, Chandy said the Front has been destined to script a new history in the state which is known for electing an alternative governments of UDF and LDF.

Claiming that UDF government's decision to close down 700 odd foreign liquor bars was "brave" and conceived with long term vision, Chandy said the new liquor policy brought peace in the homes of the people.
"Revenue loss for the government in 2014-15 due to closure of bars was Rs 8283 crores. When total prohibition comes in a phased manner in 10 years time, revenue loss would be more", he said, adding, peace in the homes and changes which occurred in the society due to implementation of the policy was far more than the loss of revenue," he said.
The UDF is once again approaching the electorate armed with achievements amidst hurdles posed by the Opposition.

"It is only because of that people are now talking about continuation of the government," he said.
Chandy said setting in motion the process of construction of the Rs 7,525 crore Vizhinjam International Seaport Project, Kannur international airport and completion of 240 bridges in the last five years were some of development initiatives of his government.
On the welfare side, the most notable achievement was extending Rs 1200 crore for treatment under 'Karunaya' project to about 1.42 lakh people, he said.
The government had also fulfilled its promise of providing Rs one per kg rice to 95 lakh families, he said.