With LDF opposition threatening to lay an indefinite siege of the secretariat from Monday demanding resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over the solar panel scam, Central forces today arrived in Kerala to assist the police.
Out of 20 companies of forces sought by the state, the first batch of ITBP personnel reached here this morning and one company of BSF in politically volatile Kannur district as the CPI(M) and its LDF allies started galvanising about one lakh volunteers to be dispatched for the protest.
According to official sources, more contingents of central forces would reach the state in the next two days to maintain law and order during the siege, especially since it has been planned during the run-up to the Independence Day.
The Central Stadium adjacent to the secretariat complex is the main venue of Independence Day celebrations, to be attended by Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries.
Unfazed by the preparations to tackle the protest sternly, the LDF has begun to mobilise volunteers from across the state to be sent to the state capital.
"Without fail, the volunteers will reach the state capital at the right time as planned whatever be the preparations made by the government to deal with the protest, "CPI(M) Kannur district secretary P Jayarajan told reporters.
