Thiruvananthapuram: Expatriate businessman MA Yusuff Ali always puts up a smile on his face and keeps a good relationship with all political parties. Yet, he criticised the UDF on Friday for slamming the Loka Kerala Sabha a 'splurge'.
"There cannot be a difference of opinion among the government and the opposition on the matters of Non-reisident Keralites. The members (of Loka Kerala Sabha) arrived here to attend the conference by spending money from their pocket. What splurge are you talking about? Is it giving them accomodation and food? Please don't sadden the expats by overstating unnecessary things," he said while addressing the meeting here.
“Leaders from all parties are treated well when they visit foreign countries. We give them food, accomodation and travel facilities. They take it all for granted. Let them. But it is disheartening to hear when they say us eating food is splurge,” he added.
Assembly speaker MB Rajesh also slammed the critics of Loka Kerala Sabha. He said the criticism is crossing limits and becoming abuse at certain points.
Opposition is boycotting the conference in the wake of the protests against the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It has stated that it will not cooperate if the programme becomes an extravaganza. It had boycotted the previous edition of the Loka Kerala Sabha as well.
As many as 351 members from 65 countries and 25 states in India are attending the two day event in the capital.