The Lakshadweep debate beyond Praful Khoda Patel Prabhash K Dutta
Known for its scenic beauty and tranquillity,
Praful Khoda Patel is being blamed for the Covid-19 surge in Lakshadweep and is accused of creating social tension in the smallest Union Territory of India. Literally, Laskhadweep translates into an archipelago of 1 lakh islands, but it is actually a group of 36 islands of which 12 are atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks, and only 10 are inhabited islands.
There are multiple focal points in the protests visible on the Internet, including social media platforms. Among those
raising their voice against Praful Khoda Patel are local residents, politicians including Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, footballer CK Vineeth, and actor Prithviraj Sukumar.
Social media is abuzz with posts hashtagged #SaveLakshadweep demanding the removal of Praful Khoda Patel, the administrator of the Union Territory. Here is why
In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, Sharad Pawar sought his intervention, and said the decisions taken by the administrator were unwarranted and irrational .
Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 27 (ANI): Lakshadweep MP and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Mohammed Faizal on Wednesday alleged that the Administrator Praful Patel is implementing anti-people rules and regulations in the island and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should listen to the outcry of the locals and send in a new Administrator.
MUMBAI: NCP president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday criticised the Lakshadweep administrator over his decisions, saying that they would lead to destruction of traditional means of livelihood and unique culture of the island.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pawar sought his intervention, and said the decisions taken by the administrator were “unwarranted and irrational”.
Praful Khoda Patel, the administrator of Daman and Diu, was in December last year given the additional charge of Lakshadweep. His new regulations, including Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation 2021, Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation 2021 and changing of COVID 19 SoPs, under which RT-PCR test was made mandatory for outsiders, have been opposed.