THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Entering the fifth year in power, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the UDF Government has no plans as such for the final year but will focus on completing the programmes already undertaken by the government. ‘’All the programmes that the UDF Government has undertaken are in the final stages. The government in its fifth year will complete all the projects and programmes that have already been started.
All the promises of the government will be completely fulfilled,’’ he said, while attending a face-to-face programme organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club. Expressing satisfaction at his four years in office, Chandy said that he was optimistic of continuance of UDF Government even after five years. ‘’I am an optimistic person and strongly believe in the continuance of governance even after five years,’’ he said. However, he did not respond to the question if he would complete five years as Chief Minister.
‘’’The UDF will complete five years in office,’’ he said. Stating that the government had done full justice to its motto ‘Development and care,’ he said that the coming one year will also be on the lines of the same slogan.
He also said that that he had received full support from his party, the UDF constituents and even from the Opposition with regard to development issues.
On development, Chandy stressed that money was not a problem and that one should have to think beyond the budgetary allocations. ‘
’Most of the states and even countries are thinking of infrastructure development through various routes. We should also think of other ways of infrastructure development rather than just focussing on budget,’’ he said. Chandy said that procedures on Vizhinjam project was transparent and there was nothing to hide.
On controversies regarding the move to give the tender to Adani group, he said: ‘’They were the lone bidders. It was after 3 to 4 tender process that the final position was reached.’’ On reports of Malaysian companies expressing their interest, he said that they have even not participated in the tender process. ‘’Nobody will be allowed to create a smokescreen after making controversies,’’ he said.
Chandy also said that the cabinet will discuss all aspects with regard to the Vizhinjam project. On former Defence Minister A K Antony’s statement that corruption was rampant in all areas, Chandy said that there was nothing wrong in Antony’s opinion.
Antony made the statement during the meeting of a service organisation, asking the employees to be vigilant against corruption. His statement should not be taken in any other sense and should not be interpreted in any other way, Chandy said.
On the allegations against Finance Minister K M Mani with regard to bar scam, Chandy said that no evidence has been received till now against Mani.
If an allegation is raised, it does not mean that corruption has taken place. There should be concrete evidence to substantiate the allegations, he added.
On the Aruvikkara byelection, Chandy said that it was going to be an evaluation of the performance of the UDF government.