The Hindu : Front Page : UDF gives clean chit to Ramachandran

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Thursday, Jan 12, 2006

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UDF gives clean chit to Ramachandran

Special Correspondent

District units of the Front to organise public meetings at panchayat level

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF High Power Committee on Monday gave a clean chit to Health Minister K. K. Ramachandran Master leaving it to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to take an appropriate decision on his continuance in office on the basis of the Lok Ayukta's observations.

Addressing a press conference here, UDF convener P. P. Thankachan said the UDF did not feel that the Health Minister was guilty of any corrupt act. Besides, the Lok Ayukta's observations were unilateral and did not seek the Minister's viewpoint on the allegations against him. The investigating officer, while taking depositions from various people, did not inquire with the Minister, he said.

Mr. Thankachan said the UDF had considered the reports submitted by four of its sub-committees on agriculture, fisheries, traditional industry and education. The report would be discussed at meetings of the concerned Ministers, sub-committee conveners, the Chief Minister and the UDF convener on January 16.

Mr. Thankachan said the UDF meeting on January 25 would give a final shape to the proposals.

He said the Government had already implemented three recommendations with regard to the reduction in electricity charges, agricultural loans and staying of revenue recovery proceedings. He said the UDF had urged its district units to organise public meetings at panchayat levels to hail the pro-people policies of the Government.

Mr. Thankachan said the UDF was moving towards a consensus on the Narendran Commission recommendations.

He said the UDF, which had so far chosen to ignore the DIC (K) and Mr. Karunakaran, unusually referred to the party's inability to forge a Left alliance. It urged all former Congressmen to return to the party and the UDF's fold, Mr. Thankachan said.

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