THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, who burnt his fingers on the Kannur, Karuna Medical Colleges fiasco, apparently is no longer keen on backing the government on the issue. In a statement here on Sunday, Chennithala said talks with the state government on the issue has no relevance any more. According to him, it is now upto the government to decide how to proceed in the matter.
‘’Since the Supreme Court and the Governor had pointed out the legal issues concerning the Bill, further dialogue with the state government does not have any relevance.’’ Chennithala justified his support for the Bill saying it was a humane one meant to help the students. Such a stand was taken since the Opposition also has the responsibility to rescue the students from their plight, he said.
His statement comes a day after the Governor declined to give his assent to the Kerala Professional Colleges (Regularisation of Admission in Medical Colleges) Bill controversially passed by the LDF Government with the Opposition UDF’s support last week. Moreover, Law Minister A K Balan had said the government will indeed discuss the matter with the Opposition.
Chennithala has been facing flak from within the Congress for supporting the Bill which has put the CPM-led LDF Government in a spot. Young turk V T Balram MLA(Cong) had opposed the Bill from the start. Former KPCC chief V M Sudheeran and senior leader A K Antony had also flayed the UDF for backing the Bill.