‘Now I am alone’: Adoor Prakash stands by criticism of CM Satheesan; hints at further reactions

Thiruvananthapuram: UDF Convener Adoor Prakash has stood by his criticism of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, saying he reacted “in the light of experience” and that he is currently “alone” in the opposing camp.

He said he did not make the remarks seeking anyone’s support and would explain his position to the AICC.

“The reaction was not made asking for anyone’s support. I reacted in the light of experience. The AICC will be informed about this. I will tell them what I have to say. I was appointed by the AICC,” he told reporters on Friday morning.

He also said he was not opposed to giving positions to party leaders, but maintained that decisions concerning the UDF should have been discussed with him in his capacity as the Front convener.

“I am not against giving a position to anyone. But such matters should have been discussed with me as the UDF Convener,” he said.

He added that he would raise any dissatisfaction within the UDF. “If there is any satisfaction or dissatisfaction regarding any matter, I will say it in the UDF. There is no consensus move. Now I am alone,” he said.

His remarks come days after he held a press conference in which he openly criticised Satheesan over what he described as a lack of consultation within the UDF.

Adoor had said several key decisions were reaching the Front convener through the media, describing the situation as unfortunate. He had also said his decision to speak publicly was intended to make the issue known to the public.

He had pointed out that a UDF meeting had not been held recently and said the Chief Minister, as chairman of the Front, should take the initiative to convene one.

“He has not said anything about that yet. Discussions and consultations are not happening with me as the Convener,” he said.

He also raised the issue of granting cabinet rank to leaders of UDF constituents, saying there had been no discussion with him or information provided to him before the decision was taken.

At the same time, he clarified that those who were granted cabinet rank were deserving of the positions.

The Front convener's public criticism of the Chief Minister just four months after the government came to power has surprised the Congress leadership.