The alluring coral archipelago of Lakshadweep is in turmoil. A series of decisions initiated by Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel, a former BJP leader, have triggered a huge controversy, inviting sharp criticism not only from the Opposition but also from within the BJP.
Patel’s recall is demanded by the Opposition parties, including the Congress, the CPM and the Nationalist Congress party (NCP).
The steps taken by Patel include a ban on beef consumption in the Muslim-dominated Lakshadweep, introduction of a Goonda Act, a proposal to disqualify panchayat poll aspirants with more than two children, and establishment of a development authority with powers to acquire land.
The steps has led to a sharp division in the Lakshadweep BJP unit with president Abdul Khadee Haji backing Patel but general secretary Mohammad Kasim describing the administrator “authoritarian” saying his proposals are against the interests of islands. Kasim wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the proposals.
Kasim is of view that Patel’s measures would lead to job losses and harassment of people.
The BJP leader accused Patel of running Lakshadweep like a king.
Patel, Kasim said, has not taken anyone into confidence and the BJP cannot afford to continue him if the party wants to expand its political base in Lakshadweep.
Abdul Khader, the BJP candidate in 2019 Lok Sabha poll, however, backed Patel’s measures saying they would help develop the islands. Maintaining that the Modi Government’s welfare measures and development initiatives have got the people’s support in Lakshadweep, Khader said.
“Patel has been sent by the Centre and he won’t take any steps to harm the islands,” he said.
But Khader too disagrees on beef ban in Muslim majority Lakshadweep.
Several Opposition parties have criticised the steps saying they would destroy unique culture of the island.
On Wednesday, NCP leader Sharad Pawar hit-out at the decisions saying that they would lead to the destruction of traditional means of livelihood and unique culture of the island.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Pawar sought his intervention, and said the decisions taken by the administrator were “unwarranted and irrational”.
Pawar demanded that the orders and decisions taken by the incumbent authority of Lakshadweep administration be re-examined and necessary directions be passed to the Lakshadweep administration to withdraw the unreasonable and unwarranted orders.
The appointment of a new administrator, who works in close co-operation with people’s representatives and takes a holistic approach to work with the native people, will be highly appreciated, he said in the letter.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the “ignorant bigots in power” of destroying the islands.
The administrator has unilaterally proposed sweeping changes without duty consulting elected representatives or the public. The people of Lakshadweep are protesting against these arbitrary actions,” Rahul said.
The Congress leader alleged that the proposed changes to the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation 2021, Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation 2021 and lifting of restrictions on sale of alcohol were a deliberate assault on the cultural fabric of the local community.
“I request you to intervene in this matter and ensure that orders and withdrawn. The people of Lakshadweep a developmental vision that respects their way of life and reflects their aspirations,” Rahul Gandhi said. Lok Sabha MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor and his State unit party colleagues too have protested against the current administrative regime in the Island UT.
In Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed the proposals, while MPs from the Left and Congress have written to President Ram Nath Kovind and the PM seeking their intervention.