KPCC president Sunny Joseph declines to comment on UDF convener Adoor Prakash’s criticism, says AICC will decide
You don’t have any Active Subscription.
Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph, who is also a minister in the Keralam cabinet led by VD Satheesan, has declined to comment publicly on the criticism raised by UDF convener Adoor Prakash against Mr. Satheesan and the functioning of the UDF, saying that the matter had already been brought to the attention of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and that the Central leadership would take an appropriate decision.
Mr. Prakash had on Thursday publicly expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of the UDF government, alleging that important decisions were being taken without consultation and that UDF meetings had not been convened for months. He said he would take up the matter with the AICC, which had appointed him UDF convener.
Responding to questions at a press conference on Friday, Mr. Joseph said he did not want to make public comments on matters concerning the internal functioning of the party. He said Mr. Prakash was a senior leader and that the issues raised by him had been brought to the notice of the Central leadership.
“If he brings his grievances to the attention of the AICC, the Central leadership will take appropriate action,” Mr. Joseph said.
He said he had been holding discussions with the Chief Minister, the UDF convener and other Congress leaders on political matters and, as far as possible, on matters of governance.
Mr. Joseph also sought to play down questions about alleged organisational shortcomings in the Congress and differences within the party following the Assembly election. He acknowledged that there had been some internal issues, but said the Congress organisation was functioning and that meetings of various party bodies had been held.
He said the KPCC executive and political affairs committee had met, while leadership discussions were also continuing. The limitations faced by Ministers who also had responsibilities in the party organisation should not be viewed as an indication that the organisation was inactive, he said.
On the recent attacks and protests involving Congress leaders and Ministers, Mr. Joseph alleged that the incidents were part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt the functioning of the UDF government and divert public attention from issues confronting the CPI(M) and the BJP.
He reminded that CPI(M) and BJP workers had attacked the district Congress committee office in Thiruvananthapuram at different times, causing damage. He also alleged that a Congress office in the city had been set on fire by BJP workers, followed by another attack on the DCC office by DYFI workers. Congress offices in Kannur, including the DCC office and the Congress office at the constituency level in Koothuparamba, had also come under attack, he alleged.
“These are taking place with the knowledge of the CPI(M) and BJP leaders,” Mr. Joseph said.
He demanded that the parties concerned put an end to such violence and that the government take action to bring those responsible before the law.
Referring to incidents involving Ministers’ programmes and attacks, including the reported attack on a Minister’s vehicle, he said Ministers travelled to attend public programmes and address people’s requirements and that violent protests in the name of black-flag demonstrations would be strongly resisted.
Mr. Joseph also criticised the functioning of the Election Commission, alleging that actions that undermined the independence and fairness of the electoral process posed a threat to democracy. He referred to public differences within the Election Commission and said the Congress, under the leadership of Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, was continuing its campaign demanding accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
The KPCC president’s comments came amid the first major public disagreement within the Congress-led UDF government since it assumed office four months ago. Mr. Prakash’s criticism has centred on the lack of consultation over government decisions, including recent appointments to positions carrying Cabinet rank.
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
