Ex-Kerala CM brings dirty water to House, questions use of force on protesters

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday brought a bottle of water to the Kerala Legislative Assembly, alleging that police had used contaminated water in water cannons to disperse AISF and AIYF activists protesting against the PM SHRI scheme.

The demonstration, organised by the CPI-backed student and youth organisations outside the Assembly, was demanding withdrawal from the centrally sponsored Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) programme. The police action later sparked a political row inside the House.

Displaying the bottle, Vijayan claimed the water sprayed on protesters appeared visibly dirty and could pose serious health risks. He linked the issue to discussions held in the Assembly earlier in the day on public health concerns.

WATER COULD CAUSE DISEASES: VIJAYAN

Raising the matter in the House, Vijayan questioned why allegedly contaminated water had been used when clean water could have been deployed instead.

"The police dealt with the march by using water cannons. The water used was contaminated. In the Assembly this morning, discussions were held regarding serious health issues. This water can cause diseases including amoebic meningoencephalitis. What is the reason for using such water? Ordinary water itself could have been used. This is an issue that the government should take seriously. What does the Home Minister have to say on this matter?" he said.

He further alleged that the water appeared to have been sourced from a canal or another stagnant water body.

GOVERNMENT SAYS SAMPLE SENT FOR TESTING

Responding to the allegations, the state government said the sample displayed in the House would be sent for laboratory testing.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said water used in police water cannons is normally sourced from the Kerala Water Authority, but acknowledged that the sample shown by Vijayan appeared contaminated. "I do not know whether dirt had accumulated in the tank. The sample shown appears to be contaminated," he said.

The minister said he had directed the City Police Commissioner to examine the matter and determine the source and quality of the water used. "We will verify the matter and report the findings to the House," he said, adding that there was no indication that contaminated water had been used deliberately.

PROTEST OVER PM SHRI SCHEME

Earlier in the day, AISF and AIYF activists marched towards the Assembly in protest against the PM SHRI scheme. Police used water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, who were led by CPI MLA and former minister K Rajan.

Rajan later alleged that the protest had been peaceful and accused the police of using excessive force. "Dirty water was used for the purpose. Such an act is not even carried out against criminals," he said.

ROW OVER PM SHRI IN KERALA

The PM SHRI scheme has remained a contentious issue in Kerala. The previous LDF government had signed an MoU with the Centre for its implementation but later put it on hold following objections from the CPI and protests by allied organisations.

Since then, CPI-backed student and youth groups have continued to demand a formal withdrawal from the agreement, keeping the issue alive in state politics.

- Ends

With PTI inputs