Nava Kerala March concludes

Thiruvananthapuram: The Nava Kerala March, led by CPI (M) polit bureau member Pinarai Vijayan concluded here on Monday.

Inaugurating the valedictory function, which began with inspection of a parade by Mr. Vijayan, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechuri said that the LDF would come to power in the State. Only the left could be an alternative to communalism.

He said that the Modi government was fighting opponents physically. The attack on AKG Bhavan in New Delhi was an instance. The CPI (M) knows how to deal with the fascist threats.  RSS was trying to dub Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi as anti-national.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Vijayan said that that CPI (M) was not opposed to foreign universities, but commercialisation of education. Our own academic institutions should achieve excellence. Then there can be collaboration with foreign universities. Universities here should not be allowed to be tapped for commercialisation.

He said that continuation of Mr. Oommen Chandy was a disgrace to both Congress and the people of Kerala.

Reiterating the party's resolve to create a new Kerala, Mr. Vijayan said the march had high participation of women and youth who wished for change.

CPI (M) State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that efforts were on to undermine communal amity in the State.

The march had begun from Uppala in Kasaragod district on January 15. The valedictory, which was to be held on Sunday, was postponed to Monday in view of demise of poet O. N. V. Kurup.