Date:16/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/16/stories/2008081656980400.htm

Kerala

No second land reform: Pinarayi

A Correspondent

Says it is not government policy

Claims government has taken a
pro-people stand
Alleges false propaganda against government

CHERUTHONI: The Left Democratic Front government has taken a pro-people stand and strived for the people’s welfare all through its two years in power, CPI (M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Friday.

Addressing a meeting in connection with the inauguration of the party’s Idukki district committee office, he said this stance would continue. “People will not accept false criticism against the government.” Mr. Vijayan said there was a ‘propaganda’ that land would be seized from its rightful owners and given to farmers in a second land reform drive. “This should not be considered as the policy of the government. Those making such comments will not be accepted by the people."

PTI adds: Mr. Vijayan defended the party State committee’s line on land reforms. He said the advocacy for a second land reform was nothing but “verbal gimmick of extremists.”

The recent CPI(M) State committee meeting had noted that the idea of a second land reform was a verbal exercise indulged in by Left extremists.