UDF convenor flags lack of front consultation in Satheesan govt decisions, to approach AICC

Congress veteran and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash on Thursday (October 1) expressed dissatisfaction over decisions being taken by the V.D. Satheesan-led government in Kerala, claiming that key matters are being decided without prior discussion within the front.

Prakash said he would inform the All India Congress Committee (AICC) about his concerns, adding that he had been learning about important appointments through the media.

"There has not been a UDF meeting in Keralam recently. The Chief Minister should take the initiative to convene the meeting; he is the front chairman. There are many things to discuss and decide. In the appointments to various boards, those who should inform me, as the UDF convenor, have not informed me. The government is taking decisions on many matters without discussion. I will inform the AICC about my dissatisfaction in this regard. I am learning about the appointments through the media," Prakash said.

He said several government decisions were being taken without prior deliberations within the front. While acknowledging that leaders may be busy, Prakash said it was not appropriate for the UDF convenor to learn about key appointments through news reports. 

Prakash referred to the recent decision to grant Cabinet rank to M.K. Muneer after his appointment as chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission. He maintained that he was not opposed to the individuals who had been given Cabinet rank. His concern, he said, was that such decisions should have been discussed within the UDF and its key office-bearers should have been informed.

He also cited the appointment of Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan as Kerala's special representative in Delhi. According to Prakash, neither appointment was discussed within the UDF before the decisions were taken.

His remarks point to dissatisfaction within the front over the way government decisions and appointments are being communicated to its constituents.

Prakash said the AICC had entrusted him with the responsibility of serving as UDF convenor and that he would communicate his dissatisfaction to the party's central leadership.

He said he generally informs the leadership whenever differences of opinion arise. Prakash added that he had spoken publicly about the issue because party workers and UDF supporters had been asking questions about the developments.

He said remaining silent could result in questions being directed at him over matters concerning the functioning of the front.

Coordination concerns and power crisis

Prakash also raised concerns over coordination during recent local body by-elections, saying there had been shortcomings in the way the front functioned during the polls.

He further referred to Kerala's continuing electricity crisis and the discontent it has caused among the public.

Prakash maintained that decisions concerning state governance and appointments to boards should involve the UDF rather than being taken without consultation with the front's key office-bearers.