'Baby's Charge Akin to Anticipatory Bail'

CPM leader M A Baby’s allegation regarding a ‘secret alliance’ between the Congress and BJP in Kerala during Lok Sabha polls, is akin to taking anticipatory bail, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

CPM leader M A Baby’s allegation regarding a ‘secret alliance’ between the Congress and BJP in Kerala during Lok Sabha polls, is akin to taking anticipatory bail, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chandy said the UDF is highly confident of the outcome of the Lok Sabha poll results.

“Not even a child will believe that there was a hidden deal between the Congress and BJP during the polls. Across the country, there’s a direct fight between the two parties. How can then there be a secret alliance?,” asked Chandy.

Earlier, CPM politburo member M A Baby  stated in New Delhi that there was a hidden deal between the Congress and BJP in certain LS constituencies including Kollam, during the LS polls.

He also said the alliance was made by some regional leaders, based on certain Assembly constituencies.

However it is not known whether the deal was struck with the knowledge of state leaders of these parties, Baby said.

Cabinet Reshuffle

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said a decision on cabinet reshuffle will be taken based on discussions within the Congress and the UDF and after the final approval from the high command.

Asked about his earlier statement on Cabinet reshuffle, Chandy said he had mentioned about bringing in some changes in the state cabinet. Later, the media termed it as cabinet reshuffle. These decision are taken after the polls, he said.

“I have mentioned about changes in the cabinet. This has to go through three phases. First there has to be discussions within the Congress, then within the UDF and finally there should be approval from the high command,” he said. On reports that the high command made it clear that the Chief Ministers will have to take responsibility if the elections results are not favourable, Chandy he came to know about it through the media only.

RSP’s Demand

On RSP’s demand for more participation in the government, Chandy evaded a direct reply. Chandy said that RSP has the right to make such demands in the UDF. However, matters within the UDF should not be discussed in public, he added.

Increase in Voter Turnout

On the role of Government Chief whip P C George in campaigning, Oommen Chandy claimed that he was fully involved in the election campaigning for the UDF.

Asked about the recent controversy on Congress campaigning in Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency, Chandy said that in Pathanamthitta there has been an increase of 0.8 per cent in polling percentage. The remarks by some Congress leaders about P C George staying away from the campaigning were due to misunderstanding, Chandy said.

“P C George was fully involved in the campaigning. He had taken up poll campaigning in some other constituencies also. Comments by some leaders contrary to this, were made due to some misunderstanding,” he opined.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com