Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala has said that a Cabinet reshuffle or induction of a new Minister is not on his party’s agenda.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Chennithala said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had already expressed his views on the subject and he fully shared the views. His present focus is on the coming Kerala yatra being flagged off in Kasaragod on April 18.
Asked whether a Cabinet reshuffle was necessary to boost the image of the United Democratic Front (UDF) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Chennithala said it was for the UDF leadership to consider the issue. As for his induction into the Chandy Cabinet, he sees no change in the political situation that warrants a shift in his earlier position on the issue.
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Pillai’s view
When his attention was drawn to Kerala Congress(B) leader R. Balakrishna Pillai’s view that the Congress should handle the portfolios held by K.B. Ganesh Kumar, Mr. Chennithala said it was the Chief Minister’s discretion. He said that UDF meetings always strove to enhance the image of the coalition. He wanted leaders of the UDF’s constituent parties to shun controversies.
The coalition can do well in the coming Lok Sabha elections only if it stands united. The CPI(M) is going through one of its worst crises, which is reflected in its performance in the State Assembly.
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