The United Democratic Front (UDF) threw its weight behind Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, facing a tough time from the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the solar scam and the alleged links between his close aides and the accused in the case.
A leadership meeting of the UDF was convened soon after the LDF made clear its intention of spearheading a strong agitation inside and outside the Assembly seeking the Chief Minister’s resignation on Monday. The meet decided to politically face up to the stir. It rejected the Opposition demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation. Neither was a judicial probe warranted, the meeting said.
According to sources, the Chief Minister repeated his statements made on the floor of the Assembly, but explained that he had delayed giving an explanation because he wanted to get additional information, given the nature of the allegations. While asserting that the government had not incurred any financial loss due to the scam, Mr. Chandy admitted to the shroud regarding the involvement of two of his staff members. “This will be probed and punitive action will be taken accordingly,” he said.
