LDF ends blockade of CM's residence, black flag protest

The CPI(M)-led LDF opposition in Kerala today decided to call off its blockade of the official residence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here over the solar panel scam issue.

A meeting of the state committee of the Front here also decided to end the 'black flag' protest against Chandy and boycott of his official programmes, demanding his resignation for his alleged collusion in the scam.

These decisions virtually marks suspension of all street protests launched by the LDF since July this year over the scam, which pertains to cheating of huge sums by promoters of a bogus firm offering solar solutions to several clients.

Briefing reporters on the decision of the meet, LDF convener Vaikom Viswan said the Front would use the floor of the Assembly to expose the misdeeds of the government as the budget session was slated to begin on January 3.

The indefinite blockade of Chandy's residence Cliff House was launched on December 9.

The coalition has apparently been under pressure from within to bring an end to open protests over the issue as some of the partners are feel they were running out of steam.

Also, a thinking is strong among the leaders that prolonging the stir on a single issue would come in the way of the Front focussing on the Lok Sabha polls, LDF sources said.

The opposition charge against the UDF Government over the solar issue is that the main accused in the scam - Biju Radhakarishnan and Saritha Nair - had enjoyed the patronage of the Chief Minister's office.

The LDF had stepped up its protests over the issue after the alleged role of a Personal Assistant of Chandy surfaced leading to his arrest.

The Government in August had ordered a judicial probe into the scam but rejected the demand for Chandy's resignation.