THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI (M)-led LDF opposition Wednesday staged a walk out in Kerala Assembly in protest against the denial of an adjournment motion seeking discussion over non-implementation of a rehabilitation package for fishermen, women self-help groups and those working in the tourism industry whose livelihood would be affected by the proposed Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose seaport.
Opposition member Jameela Prakasam (JD -S), who sought the leave of the House to move an adjournment motion seeking discussion over the issue, alleged that the government failed to implement the rehabilitation package as the project could affect the livelihood of thousands of people residing at Muloor coastal area. A report by a five-member government-appointed committee, headed by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), was not implemented so far, she charged. The opposition members stood on their feet, insisted a reply in this regard from the Chief Minister, instead of Port Minister K Babu who is facing corruption allegation over bar bribe case. But, the Chief Minister took a stand that he is ready to answer any question of opposition only after a reply from Babu who holds the portfolio.
Later, Babu who was not ready to budge the opposition demand, stated that about 18,800 people have applied for compensation from Muloor coastal area where the total population is 20,714, leaving lack of clarity and confusion among the department officials and the port authority. Following it, the District Administration took a hectic task of finding deserved people who need compensation in the area. The environmental department had already announced a package for Rs 257.12 crore and the Chief Minister announced a package for Rs 475 crore. The government is committed to implement the package and the only condition is that the compensation should cover the actual people affected by the project. However, the opposition, who disrupted the mnister from giving the reply, entered the Well of the House and demanded a reply from the Chief Minister. However, the Chief Minister said "as the Minister clarified all the aspects of the implementation of the package, there is no need of further explanation on the issue." Following the reply from the Chief Minister, Speaker N Sakthan denied the permission to move the adjournment motion.
Criticizing the government stand, opposition leader V S Achuthanandan alleged that the Chief Minister was supporting Gautham Adani, who is a close friend of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for appeasing the BJP leaders at the Centre and the State. In protest against the denial of moving the adjournment motion, the Opposition leader and the LDF members walked out of the House.
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