Kerala Congress (B) leader R. Balakrishna Pillai on Thursday made it clear that he was unrepentant about the adverse remarks he had made against Kerala Congress (M) leader and Finance Minister K.M. Mani, virtually challenging the United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership to oust him from the ruling coalition for having stood on an anti-corruption plank.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in response, said Mr. Pillai was free to either continue or quit the coalition. If Mr. Pillai wished to continue, he should be moderate in his statements and observe certain courtesies, Mr. Chandy said.
At a press conference here, Mr. Pillai made it clear that he would not quit the UDF.
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“My party will not quit the front. They have to oust us. Let the UDF set its house in order, then we shall do the same,” he said at the press conference, lacing it with barbs against UDF convener P.P. Thankachan and Mr. Chandy.
He took strong exception at not being invited to Wednesday’s UDF meeting, stating that he had been insulted. He felt that the Congress, which claims to be the biggest democratic party, should have given him an opportunity to give an explanation.