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The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Saturday expressed his concern over the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government's failure in paddy procurement, attributing the recent farmer suicide to this neglect. Prasad, he mentioned, is the latest victim of the government's indifference towards farmers.
"The opposition has pointed this out several times about the state government's failure in paddy procurement. Prasad is the latest victim of the government's neglect towards farmers," he said while addressing the media here. Reportedly, Prasad, a farmer in the Kuttanad region of Alappuzha, died by suicide after allegedly failing to fund his paddy cultivation. Satheesan further attacked the Kerala CM, saying, "Communist Party of India (CPM) cyber warriors are attacking those who protested for not getting a social security pension." "Hundreds of employees are sitting idle in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department. The GST Intelligence Commissioner has done illegal work by collecting money for Keraleeyam," he added. 'Keraleeyam' is an annual festival that takes place in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. This week-long celebration is a tribute to the progress and accomplishments of Kerala. This year, Keraleeyam was held from November 1 to November 7. Further, Satheeshan questioned the allocation of hundreds of crores of rupees to the Navakerala Sadas, arguing that this should be funded by the party itself. He attributed the lack of funds to poor tax collection. "Hundreds of crores of rupees are allocated to the 'Navakerala Sadas'. This should be done at the party's expense. Lack of money is due to lack of tax collection," Satheesan said. Reportedly, the state government has directed cooperative societies to secure funds for the grand execution of the 'Navakerala Sadas'. A directive to this effect has been issued. The 'Navakerala Sadas' is a conference that takes place in various districts of Kerala. This gathering is presided over by the Chief Minister and other ministers. He criticised the decision to increase the price of goods in Supplyco as being against the LDF manifesto and claimed that Kerala has become a haven for tax evaders. "The decision to increase the price of goods by Supplyco is against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) manifesto," Satheesan said. Allegedly, the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation, known as SupplyCo, is reportedly planning to increase the prices of 13 essential goods. After the Left Democratic Front (LDF) gave it approval. "Kerala has become a paradise for tax evaders. UDF will organise hearings against the state government in all 140 constituencies from December 1 to 20," Satheesan added. (ANI)
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