Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (PTI) Differences in theruling CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala over continuation of TransportMinister Thomas Chandy came to the fore today with four CPIministers skipping the cabinet meeting this morning, withChief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan terming it as "unprecedented."CPI ministers E Chandrasekharan, V S Sunil Kumar, K Rajuand P Thilothaman did not attend the cabinet meeting as per aparty directive asking them "not to attend the cabinet meet ifChandy took part."The transport minister later resigned.
CPI, a key partner in the ruling LDF had taken a standthat Chandy should quit the post following allegations ofencroachments by his luxury resort in Alappuzha district andKerala High Court's strictures yesterday.
The party was of the view that NCP, whose nominee isChandy, should not be given more time for taking a decision asthe issue was affecting the image of the ruling Front.
Confirming that CPI ministers did not attend the meet,Vijayan said that it was an "unprecedented" step which shouldnot have been happened.
When asked how the issue was going to be resolved,Vijayan quipped that they would attend the next cabinetmeeting.
The chief minister said CPI ministers had given him aletter stating that they were keeping away from the cabinetmeet as per their party directive.
Vijayan also said that all parties in the Front have tobe given due respect and "their request has to be considered." He further said their action (CPI ministers) cannot betreated as a lack of collective responsibility of the cabinetas they have to abide by their party directives.
Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said, "Our party didnot have any personal animosity with anybody and we areopposing only the position taken by parties".
The businessman-turned politician had come under attackfrom the Congress-led UDF and BJP over allegations that hisresort at Kuttanad in Alappuzha had encroached upon Marthadomlake and also violated land rules.
Alappuzha District Collector T V Anupama had in herreport submitted to the state government also corroborated thecharges that made the position of Chandy more untenable.
In a blow to the ruling Front, Kerala High Court hadyesterday severely criticised Chandy for challenging thecollector's report holding that a minister cannot file apetition against his own government, which amounted to lack ofcollective responsibility in the cabinet.
Chandy, a three-time MLA from Kuttanad, had joined thePinarayi cabinet in April after party nominee A K Saseendranresigned after a sleaze audio with a woman went viral. PTI JRKUD ROHDV.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.