Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 19 Keralam Minister K Muraleedharan on Monday said that someone was “behind the curtain” when a person repeatedly made allegations against Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Muraleedharan was responding to reporters’ queries about UDF convener Adoor Prakash reportedly reiterating his allegations that major administrative and policy decisions were being made unilaterally by the CM without consulting him or alliance partners.
“If someone is repeatedly making allegations against the CM, there is someone behind the curtain. That is all I can say,” the Health minister said.
He added that the party’s national leadership would look into the matter and take a decision in due course.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph said party leaders should refrain from making controversial statements in public.
He was responding to reporters’ queries in Kannur about Prakash’s remarks against Satheesan.
“I have strictly reminded everyone in the party to avoid making controversial remarks in public. Everyone is obligated to follow party discipline. I request the cooperation of all Congress leaders in this matter,” he said.
Joseph also said he would not respond publicly to such controversial remarks.
“All kinds of controversial statements should be avoided, and party leaders are obligated to do so. Party workers, the leadership and the people are not pleased with such statements. It does not suit any organisation,” the KPCC chief said.
He said differences of opinion could be discussed within the party.
Joseph said the Congress Political Affairs Committee had met recently, besides meetings of the KPCC and the District Congress Committees, at which all issues had been discussed.
“After that, it is not correct for anyone to air their individual views in public. That is what I am saying. Such statements are not beneficial for the party,” he said.
He said the party would decide on the course of action if its leaders continued to make controversial statements in public.
Joseph added that he would speak directly to the party leaders who had made the remarks.
Prakash had triggered a controversy by publicly criticising Satheesan at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, alleging that major administrative and policy decisions were being taken unilaterally without consulting him or alliance partners.
The UDF convener had filed a formal written complaint with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and met AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi and Rahul Gandhi, seeking central intervention.
Satheesan later defended his position, saying all policy decisions were taken in consultation with the party’s top leadership, while routine administrative matters were handled by the Cabinet.
Prakash has reiterated his allegations in a recent interview with a media outlet.
On preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, Muraleedharan, who is also the state Devaswom Minister, said additional bus services were being arranged to the hill shrine.
(PTI News)
