New Delhi: As the row over new orders in Lakshadweep continues, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter and ensure that the recently passed orders be withdrawn.
In a letter the Congress leader stated, "Lakshadweep’s pristine natural beauty and its unique confluence of cultures have drawn people for generations. The custodians of its heritage seek to safeguard the archipelago for posterity. However, their future is threatened by the anti-people policies announced by the administrator of Lakshadweep, Shri. 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 alleged.
Also read: Lakshadweep imbroglio: Recall the administrator, Congress tells Center
Mentioning about the Lakshdweep Development Authority Regulation issued by Patel, Gandhi claimed that the provision undermines the safeguards pertaining to land ownership, dilutes environmental regulations for certain activities and severely limits legal recourse available to affected persons. He called it an attempt to undermine the ecological sanctity of the island. Gandhi also asserted that livelihood, security and sustainable development are being sacrificed for short-term commercial gains by these provisions.
The former Congress president called the provision in the draft Panchayat Regulation, which disqualifies members with more than two children, as "blatantly anti-democratic".
He further said that the proposed changes to regulations such as the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, the Lakshadweep Animals Preservation Regulation and the lifting of restrictions on sale of alcohol are a "deliberate assault" on the cultural and religious fabric of the local community and an attempt to cut ties with Beypore port strikes at the close historical and cultural ties with Kerala.
Also read: Pawar writes to PM Modi, seeks appointment of new Administrator in Lakshadweep
"It is pertinent to mention that despite the pandemic, the administration demolished structures used by the fisherfolk, fired contractual workers in various government departments and relaxed quarantine norms that led to a lethal spike in covid 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," Gandhi said in his letter.
He urged the prime minister to intervene in this matter, ensuring that the recently enacted orders by Praful Patel are withdrawn. "The people of Lakshadweep deserve a developmental vision that respects their way of life and reflects their aspirations," he said.
Earlier, a number of the Opposition party leaders had also raised their concerns over the matter and had written to the President of India seeking a recall of the Lakshdweep administrator.
