Will support UDF in opposing Kerala FRA amendments: Anvar

Malappuram(Kerala), PTI: Independent MLA P V Anvar on Tuesday alleged the amendments proposed by the left government in Kerala to the state’s Forest Act were “dangerous” and “anti-people” and said he would stand with the Congress- led UDF in opposing it. He lat e r visited UDF leader and IUML supremo Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal at his residence here to discuss the issue. After meeting Thangal, Anvar told reporters that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) supremo assured him of his support on the issue.

He said that he also requested the IUML leadership to oppose the amendments to the Forest Act. “I will be meeting the Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, others in the UDF and heads of all religious communities. The aim is also to defeat Pinarayi Vijayan and the LDF. I am interested in associating with the UDF, especially on this issue,” the MLA said. After the meeting with Anvar, Thangal said that UDF was not opposed to the issue raised by the MLA. “The state government needs to rethink the proposed amendments to the Forest Act,” he said.

The issue of Anvar’s association with the UDF will be among the things the front has to discuss, he added. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly V D Satheesan said the issue related to inclusion of Anvar in the front should be left to the alliance. “The UDF leadership will decide on what has to be done regarding that. My personal preferences or interests regarding it have no relevance,” he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.