Growing differences within the Congress-led UDF have surfaced publicly, with UDF convener Adoor Prakash expressing dissatisfaction over Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s alleged unilateral decision-making.
Speaking to the media, Prakash said he often learns about government decisions through news reports, leaving him unable to respond to questions concerning the UDF. He alleged that several decisions had been taken without adequate consultation, despite the UDF government completing four months in office.
Prakash also pointed out that several boards and corporations continue to be headed by nominees appointed under the previous LDF government. While he stopped short of accusing Satheesan of taking complete control of the system, he maintained that issues requiring collective discussion should be decided through consultation.
He further alleged that the chief minister had not permitted UDF meetings to be convened. Prakash said he would raise the matter with the AICC, which had appointed him as the UDF convener.
The dispute reportedly intensified after recent Cabinet appointments, including IUML leader M K Muneer as Administrative Reforms Commission chairman with Cabinet rank and Forward Bloc leader G Devarajan as Kerala’s Special Representative in New Delhi. Congress leaders had sought the former post for senior party leaders who missed out on Assembly seats, but Satheesan reportedly favoured the IUML appointment based on an earlier understanding over its demand for a sixth ministerial berth.
