CPI demands rehabilitation package for P&T apartment residents in Mundamveli
CPI leaders visited the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli, demanded an immediate rehabilitation package and a probe into construction shortcomings.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the government to announce an immediate rehabilitation package for residents of the P&T Apartment Complex at Mundamveli, who are on an indefinite protest over what they describe as deplorable living conditions.
The demand was raised by a CPI delegation led by district secretary N. Arun, which visited the complex on Tuesday to express solidarity with the protesting families. The party, a partner in the ruling Left Democratic Front, also called for a comprehensive inquiry to fix responsibility for the structural deficiencies that have left the apartments crumbling and leaking.
Mr. Arun said the CPI had flagged the shortcomings at the construction stage itself. He argued that the residents were prima facie living in highly deplorable conditions and should be relocated without delay, with a rehabilitation package offered on better terms.
He further sought a probe to identify those responsible for the defects and to ensure they are punished. Fines should be imposed on the guilty, he said, and the amount distributed among the affected families. The construction flaws, he added, are evident even to children.
The visit came amid a row over remarks by former CPI(M) MLA K.J. Maxy, who had accused the residents of benefiting from a housing project implemented by the previous LDF government and then turning against it after the change in the State government. The CPI(M) district leadership issued a clarification reaffirming its solidarity with the residents after the comments drew criticism. Mr. Maxy has since withdrawn the statement, but residents have insisted on an unconditional apology.
Asked about the remarks, Mr. Arun noted that the CPI(M) itself had rejected them and said an individual's opinion need not be taken seriously, though he described the comment as inappropriate. He said the issue should not be viewed through the prism of political affiliations and affirmed that the CPI would stand firmly with the residents in their protests and legal battles.
The delegation included CPI State council members K.N. Sugathan and T. Reghuvaran, assistant secretary M.M. George, and executive member K.K. Santhosh Babu.