The Hindu : An administrative issue: Antony

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 07, 2003

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An administrative issue: Antony

By Girish Menon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM May 6. The Kerala Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, has said that the question of banning the distribution of `trishul' (trident) by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was an administrative issue for the Government and it had to be decided on the basis of the situation prevailing in the State.

Reacting to the question whether his position on the ban was an embarrassment to the Congress leadership, Mr. Antony said his party had not taken any national decision on banning the `trishul' distribution. The State Government felt that the ban would not serve any purpose other than giving the VHP's programme unwarranted attention.

He emphasised Kerala's politics was vastly different from that of other States. Besides, the West Bengal and Tripura Governments had not banned the "trishul diksha" programme. It was but natural for political parties to take positions suiting the regional interests of the respective States.

This difference could be seen in the CPI(M)'s policy towards multinational companies.

"In Kerala, the CPI(M) is running a campaign against Pepsi and Coca Cola, but its Government in West Bengal has given sanction to these companies to operate factories,'' he observed.

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