Thiruvananthapurm, May 21 (UNI) Responding to the collapse of under-construction six-lane NH-66 at 3 places in Kerala, AICC Working Committee Member and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the hallmark of the current dispensation has been corruption, nepotism and incompetence.

The under construction NH-66 has collapsed at 3 places including Kooriyad, Thalapara and Kanhangad in Malappuram and Kasargod districts.

The cave-ins are reported at a time when the Pinarayi Vijayan-led CPI(M) government is celebrating its 4th anniversary, he said.

"The CPM-led LDF government is celebrating NH Development as its flagship programme as part of their ongoing 4th anniversary celebrations of the 2nd Pinarayi Vijayan Government," he added.

"This becomes even more comical when one considers the flex wars and adverts that both the state and central government did to claim the NH to be their own. Now no one seems to be owning up responsibility," he alleged.

"This shows the fallacy and hypocrisy of the Pinarayi Vijayan Government in Kerala. The common man is fed up of the 9-year rule of CPM-led LDF in the State where they have literally no development to show other than usurping old schemes and big talk," he charged.

Opposition leader in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan alleged that both the CPM and BJP were fighting for the credit over NH-66. But, when the under-construction six-lane highway collapsed, both the parties shirked their responsibility.

"Someone must ensure accountability, and fix such issues swiftly. Public safety must come first," Satheesan added.

UNI DS PRS