Date:26/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/26/stories/2004042608150300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Antony trying to appease minorities: Mukundan

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, APRIL 25. The BJP State organising secretary, P. P. Mukundan, has asked the Chief Minister, A. K. Antony, whether he stands by his earlier statement that the organised minorities of the State were taking away a majority of benefits while the unorganised majority community was being denied its rights.

Speaking to reporters at Mavelikara, Mr, Mukundan said the Chief Minister was trying to appease the minorities at present. "While the BJP will not oppose welfare schemes of the Government for the upliftment of the minorities, it would oppose the plan of the Congress to treat minorities as a votebank," said Mr. Mukundan.

He said the stand of the UDF Government that it was not possible to accept the demand for a CBI enquiry on Marad violence was a violation of the earlier assurance of the Government that a CBI enquiry would be conducted after the Government received expert advice. "After the Government got expert advice, its stand changed," said Mr. Mukundan.