Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P.K. Kunhalikutty has welcomed the statements of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala calling for unity in the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Mr. Kunhalikutty, who hastily convened a press meet here on Friday soon after a private channel aired excerpts of its programme (to be telecast later in the day) that were misleading, said the style of functioning should change if the UDF rule had to be smooth. “As far as the IUML is concerned, power is not an end in itself. We are striving to achieve unity in the UDF,” he said, clarifying that the IUML had no intention of quitting the ruling coalition or relinquishing power. He said that Mr. Chennithala’s statements were indications that the situation was improving for the better. There was no basis for the agitation demanding Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s resignation, he added. Mr. Chennithala on Friday welcomed the suggestions put forward by the IUML to strengthen the UD.
At a press conference here, Mr. Chennithala said the party, which had been an indivisible part of the UDF for decades, had put forward some suggestions with the best of intentions. All issues between the two parties would be sorted out through discussions.
He said he had explained to the IUML leadership the circumstances in which he had made some observations at the C.K. Govindan Nair commemoration function. He also wanted the State government to reach emergency assistance to the flood-hit in Kuttanad.
The KPCC president also expressed the party’s strong reservations about the Supreme Court verdict on disqualification of members of Parliament and legislatures in the event of their conviction. Disqualifying members without giving them an opportunity to appeal against the verdict would be denial of natural justice, he said.
