Lakshadweep’s beef ban to nod to liquor sale triggers outcry; voice for recall of Praful Patel grows
The BJP leader, appointed as the administrator of Lakshadweep in December 2020, is facing opposition over policies introduced by him from the people of the Union territory and politicians, both from within Lakshadweep and the neighbouring state of Kerala.
FollowA public outcry was sparked in Lakshadweep over a slew of reforms announced by the new administration led by Bharatiya Janata Party's Praful Patel.
The BJP leader, appointed as the administrator of Lakshadweep in December 2020, is facing opposition over policies introduced by him from the people of the Union territory and politicians, both from within Lakshadweep and the neighbouring state of Kerala.
Patel is spearheading a proposal which includes a ban on beef, disqualification of panchayat poll candidates with more than two children, an anti-goonda Act and establishment of a development authority with powers to acquire land for development purposes among others.
The islands are protected under special provisions where liquor sales are not allowed, outsiders cannot buy land there, moreover, non-residents cannot visit the islands without special permission from the administration.
Patel has come out with draft versions of the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation, Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation and Amendment to the Lakshadweep Panchayat Staff Rules.
The tweaks he has made since taking over in December 2020 are destructive and "target" its largely Muslim population, many of them allege, seeking his recall. The BJP has, however, said they were only meant to end "corrupt practices" of politicians.
But for the past few months, there has been an uneasy disquiet among the islanders and for the last few days, the hashtag #SaveLakshadweep has been spotted on social media. Some celebrities and political leaders from Kerala have spoken for the island and have warned that the islands have fallen into the wrong hands.
Several leaders from Kerala have written to the Centre and even President Ram Nath Kovind, citing the traditional ties between the island group and Kerala.
"The news from Lakshadweep is very serious. The situation there poses a challenge to the life and culture of the people inhabiting the island. Such moves are unacceptable," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Monday during his daily press briefing.
"We know Lakshadweep and Kerala have a connection since long. All over Kerala, we can see students from Lakshadweep. As per news reports, now there is a deliberate, malicious attempt to distort this connection. This is part of narrow interest. It is condemnable," he said.
The issue has garnered support from various opposition parties in Lakshadweep and Kerala, as well as from people on social media. Lakshadweep lawmaker and NCP's Mohammed Faizal and his colleagues from neighbouring Kerala—TN Prathapan (Congress), Elamaram Kareem (CPI-M) and ET Mohammed Basheer (Muslim League) have also urged the Centre to recall Patel.
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