The United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership on Wednesday launched a damage-control exercise to prevent further erosion in the coalition’s image as a result of the ‘telephone conversation exposes’ linked to the bar licence issue.
The new round of allegations that have appeared within the public domain via selected expose through recorded private conversations has left the UDF and the Kerala Congress (M) leaderships clueless about how to tackle them and limit the damage. The first round of allegations already had its effect, with the Chandy government buckling by diluting its liquor policy to permit closed bars to operate as beer and wine parlours, citing the practicability of the policy as an excuse.
After Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy took the lead in framing the ruling coalition’s defence, terming the current round of allegations as ‘nameless,’ since some of the liquor bar owners had disowned the transcript of the telephone conversation. The Chief Minister also indicated clearly that the UDF would take strong action against Kerala Congress (B) leader R. Balakrishna Pillai. In reply to another question at the post-Cabinet briefing, he did not hesitate to back K.M. Mani by stating that the Finance Minister would present his record 13{+t}{+h}budget.
In the meantime, Mr. Mani held discussions with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala late Tuesday night in view of the fresh round of allegations, particularly to assess its impact against a backdrop of the existing FIR filed after a Vigilance quick verification.
The Kerala Congress (M) leadership appeared to be on the defensive, though they have thrown their weight behind Mr. Mani. In a show of solidarity, the party has called for a hartal in Pala on Friday to protest against the false allegations against Mr. Mani. The Kerala Congress (M) has not officially called for Mr. Pillai’s ouster, but expects the Congress party to take the initiative to show him the door. Mr. Pillai reportedly met NSS general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair on Wednesday. The meeting appeared to be an attempt on the part of Mr. Pillai to ensure the support of the NSS in his current round of fight with the UDF leadership, sources said.
KC(M) calls for hartal in Pala on Friday
Balakrishna Pillai meets NSS leadership
