A leadership meeting of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Tuesday witnessed strong criticism against Kerala Congress (M) leader and Government Chief Whip P.C. George for his adverse remarks against political leaders past and present.
Some of the Congress MLAs also came in for sharp criticism for some of their remarks and responses, particularly to the budget proposals, that added fuel to the fire and posed a major threat to the image of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the government it heads.
Addressing a press conference here, KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said that the sentiments expressed at the meeting would be conveyed to the UDF leadership. He also urged party MLAs to desist from making controversial statements that would maim the image of the UDF and the government.
He said it was the responsibility of every political leader to maintain the frame work of decency. The Congress did not subscribe to statements that derided senior leaders. All-round efforts should be made to take the coalition forward in a united manner. Controversial remarks over trivial issues would seriously affect the coalition’s image. Since the Congress was the major partner of the UDF, it was the responsibility of Congress leaders to set the standards, he said. The meeting, which was attended by KPCC and Congress Legislature Party office-bearers and DCC presidents, did not spare Mr. George for his statements that bordered on the ‘un-parliamentary,’ sources said.
Aryadan's case
Replying to questions, Mr. Chennithala defended Electricity and Transport Minister Aryadan Mohammed since he had expressed strong reservations about the budget for 2013-14 presented by Finance Minister K.M. Mani in a party meeting.
He said he was not aware about the threats of some MLAs that they would not participate in the budget discussions. He said all the MLAs who had been listed for the debate would participate. It was a fact that the demands of certain constituencies had been overlooked. But these could be sorted during the general debate on the budget, he said.
Kerala Yatra
The meeting also finalised the ‘Kerala Yatra’ proposed to be taken out by Mr. Chennithala. The yatra, focusing on the theme ‘Progressive Kerala, Safe Kerala’ would be flagged off by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on April 18th from Kasargod. It will conclude on May 18th, culminating in a massive rally in Thiruvananthapuram.
AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi had been invited to participate. The ‘yatra’ would also mobilise party fund. Party workers would conduct door-to-door campaigns to convey to people the achievements of the UDF government that would complete two years in office on May 18.
