First public face-off: CPI(M) targets Satheesan government over colony eviction

ERNAKULAM: The opposition CPI(M) has staged its first major public demonstration against the VD Satheesan-led government, protesting the attempted eviction of colony residents at Malayidam Thuruth, Kizhakkambalam.

The party organised a 'Housing Protection Forum' (Bhavana Samrakshana Sadas) in Malayidam Thuruth to oppose the recent police deployment at the colony aimed at vacating the residents. CPI(M) Central Committee member and former minister P. Rajeev inaugurated the protest.

Tensions have been mounting in the region over what locals call high-handed police tactics to forcibly evict residents under the pretext of implementing a court order. Addressing the media, Rajeev launched a scathing attack on the Home Department and the state police's handling of the issue.

"When the Advocate Commission and law enforcement previously attempted an eviction, our administration actively coordinated with the district authorities to secure a temporary reprieve," Rajeev stated. "While the existing court verdict limited direct government intervention, the previous LDF administration maintained a firm stance against the use of police force on vulnerable citizens."

Rajeev further emphasized that despite the court order being issued in 2022, residents were able to remain in their homes due to the humanitarian approach of the previous government. CPI(M) local leadership alleged that the current Home Department has failed to protect the marginalised community, stating that the party will not tolerate the "overzealousness" of the police, regardless of whether the state is a direct party to the litigation.

The CPI(M) has announced an indefinite agitation until permanent land and housing are guaranteed for the displaced residents. Following intense resistance from the residents during yesterday's eviction drive, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala intervened to temporarily halt the proceedings.