THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the statement war between sections of Congress and long-time ally Indian Union Muslim League denting the image of the ruling UDF in Kerala, top leaders of the two parties today cautioned their colleagues against indulging in mutual acrimony.
In separate statements, state Congress chief Ramesh Chennithala and his IUML counterpart Panakkad Syid Hyderali Thangal said making statements targeting each other would only mar the image of the UDF, whose unity was essential for the smooth sailing of the Oommen Chandy government.
Sections in the Congress and IUML had been engaged in a slanging match for the last few weeks over the issue of accommodating IUML's demand for a fifth ministerial berth.
Manjalamkuzhi Ali of IUML was inducted in the ministry earlier this month, despite opposition from sections in Congress against raising the ministerial strength to five.
Those opposed to yielding to the partner's demand argued that induction of one more IUML nominee would upset the communal balance of the ministry.
"Taking forward the UDF constituents unitedly is the responsibility of Congress as the lead partner. Stern action would be taken against those indulging in open statements. The high command has already made it clear that mutual acrimony need not be tolerated," Chennithala told reporters in Kozhikode. .
In a statement, Thangal asked IUML leaders to refrain from making critical statements against Congress as that would batter the image of the UDF.
Top leaders of the two parties chose to send signals to their mid-rung functionaries in the wake yesterday's unsparing attack on its critics by IUML general secretary K P A Majeed, which drew sharp reactions from Congress leaders like Aryadan Muhammad, K Muraleedharan and M M Hassan.
Though Chandy and Chennithala made a joint appeal last week to Congress and UDF leaders to treat the row over the issue as a "closed chapter," some leaders in both the parties had continued to target each other.
Keeping the coalition united is all the more important for UDF as a crucial by-poll is on cards in Neyyattinakara assembly seat which fell vacant following resignation of R Selvaraj, who was elected on CPI(M) ticket last year.
UDF has decided to back Selvaraj in the by-poll, whose date is yet to be announced by the Election Commission.
The bypoll in Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district is likely to be keen contest with CPI-M declaring F Lawrence as its nominee and BJP planning to field senior leader and former Union minister O Rajagopal.
No comments:
Post a Comment