LDF, UDF apathetic to development: Sushma

Kottayam: BJP on Thursday accused successive LDF and UDF governments in Kerala of being 'apathetic' to the development needs of the state, resulting in lakhs of people seeking jobs abroad. "Both LDF and UDF over the years have failed to address the major problem of employment, which has resulted in over 30

lakh Keralites seeking jobs abroad," senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, addressing a meet the press programme here.

The BJP, she said, was not asking for votes to form the government, but wanted to play the role of an effective opposition highlighting the failures of the government. She exuded confidence of the BJP making an impressive mark in the coming polls: "We are confident our party will enter the assembly with impressive numbers."

To a query on the reported derogatory remarks of Chief Minister V S Achutanandan against UDF candidate Lathika Subhash in Malampuzha constituency, she said, "There is some hidden meaning in his words. I felt hurt."

On social activist Anna Hazare's fast demanding passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill, she said he has raised the issue at the right time and asked the Centre to convene an all party meet to discuss the issue.

To a question, she said BJP leaders had contacted the Nair Service Society and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalanam in the state and sought their votes "as they are influential organisations."

To another question, Swaraj said there cannot be any retirement age for contesting elections.