Pathanamthitta: UDF convenor and Congress MP Adoor Prakash on Friday dismissed talk of any rift within the ruling front but continued his criticism over government decisions being taken without consultation with alliance partners, saying such matters should have been discussed jointly before being finalised.
His remarks came a day after he complained at a press conference that key decisions were being taken without consultation, UDF meetings were not being held and that he was learning about important developments through the media.
“There is no such conflict between UDF and Congress, there is no such conflict at all,” Prakash told reporters.
He said he had to make such remarks and had nothing specific to add to what he had said on Thursday.
Responding to criticism that he had raised issues publicly that should have been discussed within the party or the UDF, Prakash said such criticism was inevitable.
“There will be many such criticisms. The criticisms that arise in the coming days can be answered when the time comes,” he said.
Prakash said that he did not make the statement by asking for anyone’s support.
“I merely reacted based on my own experience,” he said.
Asked whether he would raise his concerns with the AICC, Prakash said the matter would be taken up in the coming days.
“It was the AICC that appointed me. Therefore, as someone appointed by the AICC, it is my duty and responsibility to inform them. Apart from that, this was not a reaction made after informing anyone beforehand,” he said.
Prakash said the UDF had held only one alliance meeting since coming to power.
“There are several reasons for that. Speaking of reasons, the chief minister had busy schedules. Besides, when incidents like landslides occurred, he had to attend to them in his capacity as the CM. In any case, due to various reasons, the meeting could not be held so far,” he said.
Asked about the state government’s Cabinet-rank appointments of IUML leader M K Muneer as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission and Forward Bloc leader G Devarajan as Keralam’s special representative in New Delhi, Prakash said he was not opposed to positions being given to anyone.
“As top leaders, they are people who put in a lot of hard work to bring the UDF into power. I have never stood against giving some positions to people who worked hard. But my opinion is simply that as the UDF Convener, such matters should have been planned through a joint discussion,” he said.
He said the chief minister was responsible for taking such decisions and that none of the alliance partners had expressed opposition to them.
Asked whether a similar Cabinet-rank position would be given to Kerala Congress (M), Prakash said such matters should be discussed at a UDF meeting.
“Such matters can be discussed when the UDF meets, regarding whether there is satisfaction or dissatisfaction,” he said.
Prakash said he had not contacted any Congress leaders after making his statement.
“Right now, I am alone. I haven’t declared or requested support in front of anyone, nor will the need arise. Do not misunderstand,” he said.
Asked whether there were dissatisfied leaders within the UDF, he said he had not sought individual opinions.
“No, I cannot go around asking each person what their opinion is, and I haven’t asked either,” he said.
Regarding the CPI(M) and BJP’s protests against ministers, Prakash alleged that the CPI(M) was currently functioning as the BJP’s B-team.
He also said the protests organised by the SFI and DYFI against ministers could not be justified.
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