The United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs representing Assembly constituencies falling within the Chalakudy Parliament constituency have joined issue with their Left Democratic Front (LDF) counterparts who a couple of days ago in a press conference presented a dossier against the UDF’s Lok Sabha candidate and sitting MP from Chalakudy Benny Behanan dubbing his term as a total failure.
In a counter-presser held at Angamaly on April 13 (Saturday), UDF MLAs Rojy M. John, Anwar Sadat, Saneesh Kumar, and Eldhose Kunnappillil said the outburst against Mr. Behanan was proof that the LDF had already accepted the defeat of their candidate C.N. Raveendranath. They said the fear of imminent defeat triggered the alleged misinformation campaign against Mr. Behanan.
Chalakudy constituency has witnessed unprecedented development over the last five years. Mr. Behanan’s stamp as MP was perceptible across all sectors. He had spent ₹19.18 crore of the MP fund over the last five years, including ₹17 crore allocated to him and ₹2.18 crore unspent by the late former LDF MP Innocent, the MLAs said. Besides, another ₹39.75 crore was facilitated through corporate social responsibility funds. Mr. Behanan also secured approval for 21 roads worth ₹84.37 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. In addition, ₹12.50 crore and ₹4.50 crore were made available for various railway projects in Chalakudy and Angamaly respectively.
