The debate on the possibilities of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy going in for a Cabinet reshuffle appears to be taking a different turn, with United Democratic Front (UDF) convener P.P. Thankachan openly stating that there is no obligation on the part of the Congress leadership to induct Speaker G. Karthikeyan into the Cabinet if he were to resign office.
Mr. Thankachan couched his statements with laudatory references to Mr. Karthikeyan’s performance as Speaker and his other contributions, but its operative part was obviously aimed at the latter’s unilateral decision to remit office and trigger a mini -risis.
Elaborating his stand, Mr. Thankachan told The Hindu that the party leadership’s obligation part came only if it were to direct him to quit for any reason. Here, Mr. Karthikeyan was getting ready for resignation on his own accord, he pointed.
The issue of Cabinet reshuffle is now being widely debated in the media, but the main players aver that no discussions have taken place on such a move, which is the sole prerogative of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
The Chief Minister has been reticent about it, leaving everyone guessing about his moves. His statement that he would have to discuss the issue with party colleagues here and the UDF leadership, prior to getting the high command’s clearance has only added to the current speculations.
Apart from his profile as UDF convener, Mr. Thankachan is also identified with the Chennithala faction. This fact gives an added dimension to the statements he made.
