Chief Minister and chairman of the United Democratic Front Oommen Chandy on Thursday conceded the claim of the Kerala Congress (Jacob) for the Piravom seat and its right to choose the candidate for the by-election to the constituency.
Chairman of the Kerala Congress (Jacob), Johnny Nellore, who met Mr. Chandy to convey the decisions of the party regarding the seat, said that Mr. Chandy had agreed that it was the convention in the UDF to let the constituent concerned to decide its candidate. He extended all support to the party in winning the by-poll.
Mr. Nellore said that though he had raised his party's demand for inclusion of the party's nominee in the Cabinet in lieu of the position held by party's deceased leader T.M. Jacob, his party was not adamant about immediate induction of its nominee into the Cabinet. It was agreed that the timing for the induction of the new Minister would be decided in consultation with UDF leaders.
Mr. Nelloore said that Mr. Chandy had scheduled a meeting on Friday to discuss the party's claim for chairmanships of public sector corporations and boards.
He was meeting the leaders of all constituents of the Front for discussions and to convey the decisions of the party. He had already met UDF convenor P.P. Thankachan and Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty.
