Kumily: A demand for an independent and full-time home minister was raised by delegates at the Idukki district conference of the CPM.
The delegates unleashed a scathing attack saying that the home department had turned out to be a huge failure and they demanded a complete overhaul of the police department.
A separate demand for the removal of the Idukki district police chief was also raised by the delegates during the conference.
Several delegates pointed out that the wrongdoings of the police had brought a bad name to all the good work done by the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. There is a need for a reshuffle in the police in all districts including Idukki.
The delegates alleged that the officers belonging to other states who are serving in Kerala are protecting their own interests. A section of police is working against the government.
The delegates demanded that attempts should be made to trace the black sheep and the party should intervene strongly to strengthen the police organizational machinery.
In his reply to the debate, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan admitted to the lapses on the part of the police department.
He said the matter would be resolved after discussing the matter with the chief minister. The party will intervene in the affairs of the department.
The recent incidents were responsible for creating displeasure and annoyance among the people about the government. The issues would be rectified at the earliest.
Kodiyeri also flayed the forest department.
Forest department officials have more connections with the wild animals and that's the reason why a section of them are behaving like animals, he remarked in jest.
'Ministers not up to the mark'
The delegates also minced no words in criticising the ministers of the second LDF Government saying that the performance of many of them was bad. The ministers in the previous Pinarayi Vijayan government (2016-21) were quite efficient.
Even the back-to-back electoral victory of the LDF was due to their excellent performance. However, none of the ministers this time has the desired quality.
CPI too targeted
Allegations were raised against the CPI during the conference even on Tuesday. The CPI is trying to form a parallel coalition and it is speaking in the voice of BJP, a section of delegates alleged.
The CPM delegates said the portfolios and the departments given to the CPI were becoming a burden for the ruling coalition.
Some delegates also pointed out that the LDF could not increase its vote tally because of the alliance with the Kerala Congress (M).
District secretary KK Jayachandran clarified that the action against former MLA S Rajendran was not delayed deliberately. The action got delayed because party conferences are on. The state committee will soon declare the action to be taken against him.
The Idukki district conference will conclude on Wednesday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the closing ceremony of the conference at 3 pm.
