KOTTAYAM Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday seemed prepared to dig in his heels and take on a resurgent Opposition baying for blood, as street protests demanding his resignation in the wake of the latest revelations by diplomatic channel gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh continued in parts of the State.
Signaling his intention to brave the protests and black flag demonstrations, Mr .Vijayan addressed three functions in Kottayam and Kochi amid unprecedented security arrangements. He later travelled to Thrissur under tight security cover to spend the night at the Ramanilayam guest house.
The heavy security arrangements in Kottayam and Kochi caused hardship to citizens and drew flak from the Opposition. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accused the Chief Minister of hiding behind heavy police cover. Mr. Vijayan was left with no option but to leave the capital city following the spate of protests against him.
