THE state of Kerala was in amidst of a debate following the Samrakshana jatha which elaborates the LDF progress. Thousands of people have thronged at the centres to have a dialogue with the leaders during the jatha programme. The issues like development, communalism and democratic rights have also been thoroughly discussed in these centres.

A southern jatha headed by CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan began from Putharikkandam in Thiruvananthapuram city on February 14 while the northern jatha was led by Kanam Rajendran, CPI state secretary from Kasargode two days later. Southern jatha received warm support from the people from all walks of life in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts and entered Pathanamthitta district on Wednesday, February 20th. 

The northern jatha received huge support from the people at Kasargode and Kannur districts. Jatha will then enter into Wayanad district.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan demanded that an all party meeting be convened to achieve a consensus to avoid sudden ‘hartals’ in the state. The Congress party has challenged the high court ruling by organizing a hartal, in the back drop of a political murder. Massive violence was also unleashed by the Congress workers all over the state. Congress working president K Sudhakaran has threatened that a befitting reply will be given to the murderers. Such threats are meant to sabotage the peaceful atmosphere in Kerala, Kodiyeri said.