CPI report slams Kerala government for shielding hardcore criminals

The CPI Pathanamthitta district conference’s political report has sharply criticized the LDF government in Kerala, accusing it of protecting hardened criminals.

The report, adopted by the CPI — the second-largest constituent of the ruling LDF — states that for convicts like Kodi Suni, prisons have become “rest centres.”

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It further alleges that those accused under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are enjoying political protection. The report also claims that senior police officers, including ADGP Ajith Kumar, do not even show respect to ministers.

Additionally, the CPI’s political report criticizes the placement of Kudumbashree members in various government departments, reducing the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Employment Exchange to “mere scarecrows.” It also describes the functioning of the Animal Husbandry Department as unsatisfactory.

Earlier this week, CPI leaders and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faced severe criticism at the party’s Kottayam district conference in Vaikom. Delegates accused the leadership of failing to take firm positions and lacking effective leadership. These remarks came during a discussion on a 106-page report presented by District Secretary Adv VB Binu.

Delegates alleged that neither the Chief Minister nor the CPI(M) gives the CPI any serious consideration, and that the party’s state leadership is too weak to question CPI(M) policies. Some criticized the Chief Minister’s style of functioning, saying he behaves like a dictator and does not consult even a single minister in his cabinet.

Speakers also noted that the people’s discontent was reflected in the Lok Sabha election results in Kerala. However, they claimed, the government remains unwilling to make course corrections.