Maradu flats demolition: Kerala opposition questions CM

With Saturday being the last day for the 356 flat owners in the Maradu apartment complex to vacate the building, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala has asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to break his silence.

Speaking to the media soon after meeting the residents, Chennithala said Vijayan continues to be silent and that's baffling.

"On one hand, the state government filed an affidavit in the apex court that they will take steps to raze the building. It was this Vijayan government which went out of its way to de-notify national highways to ensure that bars could function, after the Supreme Court ordered closure of all bars. If they could do something for the bars, then why is Vijayan silent now. It's baffling, and one doubts his intention in this matter," said Chennithala.

Incidentally, it was the CPI-M backed Maradu local body that gave sanction to build this complex over a decade back.

This complex consists of 356 flats in five buildings where 240 families are living presently.

The apex court has ordered the state government to demolish the apartments before September 20 for violating the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.

The apex court has also asked the Chief Secretary to be present before the Bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra on September 23.

Following this, the Maradu Municipality served notices to the owners to vacate the premises latest by Saturday.

CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan also met the flat owners. He said, "We will take up the issue with the state government and since it's the apex court that has intervened, we will also seek legal advice on how and what needs to be done. I assure you that you are not alone, we are all with you."

State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president P.S.Sreedharan Pillai told the media that they are with the flat owners who have done no wrong.

"Vijayan should immediately call for an all party meeting to discuss this issue," said Pillai.

The flat owners are on an indefinite protest and have said that they will not vacate their homes.IANS