CPI Rajya Sabha MP moves privilege motion against Lakshadweep administration

"The action of the Lakshadweep Administration indirectly denying the permission for my visit to the UT is undemocratic as it prevents me from meeting with common people, consulting with my party workers, and talking to the authorities.

"It constitutes a breach of an MP's parliamentary privilege and appropriate action against the concerned authority must be taken," Viswam said.

The CPI leader said he had written to the Lakshadweep administrator Praful K Patel on May 26 seeking permission to visit the Union Territory.

However, after five days, the Additional District Magistrate of Kavaratti replied that he must schedule his visit to a later date owing to the COVID-19 situation.

"For the administration to now use the cover of COVID-19 to prevent elected representatives visit the island to address the grievances of the people, is most undemocratic and an abuse of power on the part of the administration," the MP said.

Viswam said the administration has passed several orders which are controversial and can affect the social, economic, and cultural lives of the inhabitants.

He also criticised the administration for allowing the transmission of COVID-19 infection in the second wave to the islands which were free from the virus and under green zone until then.

The new Lakshadweep administrator Patel has passed several orders for banning beef, allowing liquor, imposition of Goonda act, acquiring of land and building tourism spots, inviting severe criticism, repulsion, and protests from the inhabitants which are mostly Muslims, claimed the sources.

As per the locals, the new laws will populate their culture and ruin the ecology and environment of the islands.

However, as per the administration, the new laws will transform Union Territory into a tourist destination.