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The distribution of sarees to women during an event at Puthuppally in Kottayam has sparked a political row, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] accusing Congress MLA Chandy Oommen of attempting to influence voters ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The sarees were distributed as part a felicitation programme for women workers under the employment guarantee scheme, Accredited Social Health Activists and Anganwadi staff in the Puthuppally constituency. The event was part of an event called Puthuppally Fest, organised by the Puthuppally Janakeeya Koottayma from February 28 to March 3.
Source of funds
The CPI(M), however, has taken strong exception to the move, alleging that the distribution was an attempt by the legislator to influence women voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The party has also demanded that the MLA disclose the source of funds, claiming that more than ₹2 crore had been spent solely on purchasing the sarees.
Subhash P. Varghese, CPI(M) Puthuppally area secretary, accused the MLA of adopting practices often seen in other States ahead of the elections. He further alleged that around ₹6 crore had been spent on organising the festival, which also featured programmes attended by film stars.
“The event was organised under the banner of an unregistered cultural organisation in order to avoid auditing,” he alleged, urging the MLA to focus instead on initiatives that would genuinely benefit the people rather than indulging in such extravagance.
Responding to the allegations, Mr. Oommen said he was willing to make public all accounts related to the event, including the bills connected with the purchase of the sarees. He added that all investigation agencies, including the Vigilance department, are under the control of the government and are free to conduct a probe if any irregularity is suspected.
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