Thiruvananthapuram, July 10: Opposition members in Kerala Assembly today staged a walkout protesting against the "soft approach" of Congress-led UDF government towards VHP leader Praveen Togadia, who visited violence-hit Marad and made a "provocative" speech there. Raising the issue as a submission, opposition leader V S Achuthanandan severely criticised the government for not arresting VHP international general secretary for making 'provocative' speech on July 8 at Marad, the place of May 2 violence that claimed nine lives.
Replying to the submission, Chief Minister A K Antony said videotape of Togadia's speech was under examination by legal experts and action would be taken only after examining the tape. He said Togadia had visited Marad and stated that the government should take action to demolish the Marad mosque, which was built violating the coastal regulation zone. Togadia had also stated that VHP would not allow those responsible for the crime to be rehabilitated in the area, Antony said. Antony said hatred and animosity between two communities still existed at Marad and the government was taking all efforts to bring back peace and harmony there. "What is needed in the present circumstances was patience and restrain from all sections of the society," he added. Bureau Report