E P Jayarajan no longer LDF convener, Ramakrishnan will replace him: CPI(M)
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala on Saturday said that its veteran leader E P Jayarajan will no longer hold the post of LDF convener and will be replaced by party leader T P Ramakrishnan.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan made the announcement at a press conference here following the party's state committee meeting during the day.
Govindan said that Jayarajan was no longer the LDF convener due to some statements made by him during the Lok Sabha polls and certain limitations he had in carrying out the Left front's activities.
These issues were discussed in the state committee meeting and a decision was arrived at, he said.
The veteran Marxist leader has reportedly been under fire from the party ever since he had admitted, in April, to meeting BJP leader Prakash Javadekar.
Following the revelation by Jayarajan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had cautioned his party colleague to be vigilant in his associations.
Speculation was rife since Saturday morning that Jayarajan had resigned or was removed from the post of LDF convener after he abstained from the CPI(M) state committee meeting and returned to his home in Kannur.
Earlier, the Congress-led UDF opposition used the development to claim that it vindicates their allegation that Jayarajan had links with BJP leaders Prakash Javadekar and Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
Leader of Opposition of the Assembly V D Satheesan said that the development vindicates the UDF claims that Jayarajan had links with BJP leaders.
"Now, it has been proved that what we claimed was true. Not just him (Jayarajan), the CPI(M) in Kerala also has wrong links, including business relations, with the BJP," Satheesan said.
Satheesan also said that the CPI(M) had protected Jayarajan back in April when he had, amidst the Lok Sabha polls, admitted to meeting Javadekar.
"What happened now for such a decision by him is not clear and the CPI(M) has to answer that," the opposition leader said.
Jayarajan, who arrived at his home in Kannur in the morning, did not respond to reporters' queries on whether he was going to resign as LDF convener.
"Will call you if I have anything to say to you," he told reporters.
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'Red' alert for severe thunderstorms, hailstorms issued in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A "red" alert for severe thunderstorms and hailstorms was issued for Delhi late on Sunday evening, with some parts of the national capital placed under an "orange" alert, as residents were advised to be prepared for potentially-disruptive weather conditions.
A "red" alert stands for "take action", indicating severe weather conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, dust storms and moderate rainfall, along with gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kmph, are very likely over the city, with some areas expected to witness moderate thunderstorm activity.
The IMD said a "red" alert has been issued for Outer North Delhi, Northwest Delhi, West Delhi, Southwest Delhi, parts of North Delhi, Central Delhi, Northeast Delhi and Shahdara, while South Delhi, Southeast Delhi and parts of North Delhi remain under an "orange" alert. Similar thunderstorm conditions are also likely at isolated places across various locations in Delhi-NCR.
The weather office warned of likely impacts, including the breaking of large tree branches, uprooting of weak or old trees, lightning strikes at vulnerable locations, such as tall trees and electric poles, and disruption of municipal services.
"Damage to kutcha houses, huts and weak structures, partial collapse of boundary walls, difficult driving conditions and possible road accidents are also likely. Vehicles may also be damaged due to falling branches or debris," it said.
Residents have been advised to move to safe buildings, avoid weak structures and stay away from windows during the storm.
Authorities have cautioned against taking shelter under trees or going near water bodies and advised people to unplug electrical equipment and avoid contact with metallic objects, water taps and pipes. People have also been asked to park vehicles in safe locations and, if caught during the storm while driving, to pull over safely and remain inside the vehicle.
They have further been advised to stay away from electric poles and power lines and remain alert to flying debris, officials said.
