The Kerala government will approach the High Court against the Election Commission for blocking the distribution of 10 kg of special rise at Rs 15 to non-priority sections today. The government's claim is that the rice distributed as 'special rice' was not a new project and was even announced in the budget.
Earlier, the Election Commission had blocked the distribution of rice following a complaint by the Opposition. The Pinarayi government has given an explanation to the Election Commission over the distribution of rice to school students. The government informed the commission that the distribution of rice to students was not a new project and was a continuation of the earlier project. In addition, the distribution of Vishu-Easter free food kits likely to start today.
The Ration Dealers Association had earlier informed that the shops could not be opened as April 1 and 2 were holidays to observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It was earlier decided to start the distribution of kit from March 25, however, it was later changed to April 1.
Meanwhile, earlier in an interview with a leading Malayalam online portal, Dalit activist and academician Sunny M Kappikad said that it is not proper of the LDF government or Pinarayi Vijayan to believe that the food kits are some kind of generosity for the people. He added that it is the right of the people, and the government is bound to deliver on those rights.
