Kerala wants head recalled

Special Correspondent THIRUVANANTHAPURAM The Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution de- manding the recall of Lakshadweep Administra- tor Praful Khoda Patel and the withdrawal of the con- troversial orders issued by him. The House also ex- pressed solidarity with the people of Lakshadweep who have been protesting against the decisions of Mr. Patel and seeking urgent steps to safeguard their culture and livelihood. The resolution is the first to be moved in the As- sembly after the Left De- mocratic Front under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan returned to power after the Assembly elections and the first of the 15th Assembly.

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MP MEETS Ī PAGE 9 Recall Lakshadweep head: Kerala Assembly

The Chief Minister, who island another laboratory moved the resolution under and people of the country Rule 118 in the House, said will not allow that to hap- the Administrator is taking pen,” the CM said. many measures to alienate Stating that steps are be- the peace-loving people of ing taken to abolish all exist- the island. “In the name of ing democratic institutions development, even their li- and impose bureaucratic velihood is threatened. domination, Mr. Vijayan Even coconut trees are said the powers of the Dis- painted with saffron colour trict Panchayat and the Vil- in the name of beautifica- lage Island Panchayat have tion. This can’t be allowed at been transferred to the Ad- any cost,” he said. ministrator. The depart- “The attempt is to impose ments of Fisheries, Health, and implement the saffron Education, Animal Husban- agenda and corporate inter- dry and Agriculture are be- ests in Lakshadweep. The ing removed from the pur- Sangh Parivar is making the view of the Panchayat.