'Lakshadweep's Future Is Threatened By Anti-People Policies': Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi To Intervene

In the letter to PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi wrote that Lakshadweep's future "is threatened by the anti-people policies announced by the administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Khoda Patel".

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New Delhi: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the reforms in Lakshadweep that have become contentious issue. 

"Administrator's attempt to undermine ecological sanctity of the island is evident in the draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation...I request you to intervene in this," he wrote.

In the letter, Rahul Gandhi wrote that Lakshadweep's future "is threatened by the anti-people policies announced by the administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Khoda Patel. The administrator has unilaterally proposed sweeping changes without duly consulting elected representatives or the public".

"The people of Lakshadweep are protesting against these arbitrary actions," he added.

The former Wayanad MP alleged that the administrator's attempt to undermine the ecological sanctity of the island is evident in the draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation issued recently.

"The provisions undermine safeguards pertaining to land ownership, dilute environmental regulations for certain activities and severely limit legal recourse available to affected persons. Livelihood security and sustainable development are being sacrificed for short-term commercial gains," the Wayanad MP wrote.

He also termed the provision in the draft Panchayat Regulation that disqualifies members with more than two children as being blatantly "anti-democratic".

Furthermore, he stated that the proposed changes to regulations like the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, the Lakshadweep Animals Preservation Regulation and the lifting of restrictions on the sale of alcohol are a "deliberate assault" on the "cultural and religious" fabric of the local community.

"The attempt to cut ties with Beypore port strikes at the close historical and cultural ties with Kerala," he added.

Rahul Gandhi has alleged that despite the Covid pandemic, the administration went on to demolish structures used by the fisherfolk, fired contractual workers in various government departments, and relaxed quarantine norms that led to a lethal spike in the Coronavirus cases.

"Under the guise of development and maintaining law and order in a low crime union territory, the draconian regulations penalise dissent and undermine grassroots democracy," he wrote.

The former Congress president has requested PM Modi to intervene in the matter to ensure that the orders are withdrawn.

"The people of Lakshadweep deserve a developmental vision that respects their way of life and reflects their aspirations," he added.

Meanwhile, as per sources, Kerala is planning to pass a resolution in the state legislative assembly on May 31 in connection with the issues in Lakshadweep. The resolution will be aimed at raising the apprehensions of the people, they said as reported by ANI.