LDF slams Venugopal for remarks against social security pension

LDF activists taking out a protest march against Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal at Nilambur on June 3. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) took out a march in Nilambur on Tuesday (June 3) in protest against All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal for his alleged remarks against the social security pension being distributed by the LDF government in the State. The LDF demanded an apology from the Congress leader.

LDF leaders accused Mr. Venugopal of belittling the social security pension and likening it to ‘bribes’. “It is an insult to the poor people of Kerala,” said Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union State general secretary N. Chandran, national joint secretary V. Sivadasan, and district secretary E. Jayan in a joint statement here on Tuesday.

They said Mr. Venugopal’s remarks during a United Democratic Front (UDF) convention at Nilambur on Monday (June 2) were a warning for the poor people of Kerala. “It is a clear message that the UDF will not be with the poor and ordinary people,” they said.

They added that the UDF leader had spoken disparagingly about the social security pension when the entire Kerala was in praise of the LDF government for its efforts to reach out to the poor in spite of the State going through severe financial constraints.

They said that it was an indication that the UDF would stop the social security pension if it came to power. “A little while ago, the UDF convener had said that the UDF would stop the Life Mission and Kudumbashree if it came to power. This is in continuation of that,” they said.

Dr. Sivadasan inaugurated the protest march. CPI(M) leaders P.K. Sainaba, E. Jayan, Scaria Pilanthoppil, Sreedharan V.C., E. Shoukathali, and K. Raheem spoke.

Published - June 03, 2025 09:24 pm IST