UDF govt in bind as INTUC leader begins indefinite fast

In an embarrassment to Congress-led UDF government in Kerala, INTUC State President and Cashew Development Corporation Chairman R Chandrasekheran has begun an indefinite fast seeking steps to solve problems faced by the cashew sector.
Chandrasekheran began his indefinite fast in front of the secretariat yesterday demanding urgent steps to reopen the closed Cashew Factories to ensure jobs to cashew workers.
As his protest entered the second day, he alleged that the Finance Department was not releasing the funds required for the Corporation to re-open factories.
Indicating that there was no justification for the stir, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the cabinet had already sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the sector.

"Last cabinet (meeting) sanctioned the amount," he said, adding, steps were on at party level to end the stir.
Echoing similar sentiments, State Finance Minister K M Mani said "one can awake a person who is sleeping but it is difficult to wake a person who is pretending to be asleep."
In a bid to derive political mileage from the situation, a few LDF-Opposition leaders visited and expressed solidarity to Chandrasekheran's agitation.