The Hindu : Kerala News : All coalition norms flouted: Jacob

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Sunday, Sep 12, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

All coalition norms flouted: Jacob

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, SEPT. 11. The Kerala Congress (Jacob) leader and former Water Resources Minister, T.M. Jacob, today said that his party might not support the Government decisions that are not discussed by the UDF nor mentioned in its manifesto.

"We are still part of the UDF. But, we will oppose any Cabinet decision that is neither mentioned in the UDF manifesto nor discussed by the Front, or if it is detrimental to the welfare of the people," Mr. Jacob told a press conference here.

Referring to his exit from the reconstituted Cabinet, Mr. Jacob said it was executed in a way never heard of in a coalition form of Government. "All norms of coalition have been flouted," he said.

According to Mr. Jacob, the decision to remove him and Balakrishna Pillai from the Cabinet was not that of the Congress high command. "We are not for any confrontation with the Congress high command," he said. "I have always stood by the Congress. Many persons in the present Ministry, including the Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, have had stints with the Marxist party," he said.

Conspiracy alleged

Mr. Jacob alleged that their expulsion was part of a conspiracy, and the names of the conspirators would be disclosed later. The Kerala Congress (M)'s recent statement that it had nothing to do with the exit of Mr. Jacob uncovered its role, he added.

Asked about his party's attitude towards A.K. Antony's replacement with Oommen Chandy, Mr. Jacob said it would be disclosed at an appropriate time. However, he shared Mr. Antony's views on the grounds for the change of guard.

"This Government is a continuation of the Antony Government. It is unheard of in the history of Kerala that a coalition partner is not given a Cabinet berth," he said. The UDF had never discussed anything about his removal, he said.

According to him, some of the UDF constituents were supporting him and they would speak up when the UDF convenes its meeting.

Describing the decisions of the party State committee, which met in Kottayam today, Johny Nellore, chairman of the Kerala Congress (Jacob), said the expulsion of Mr. Jacob from the Government was done without any justification. There was neither a chargesheet nor a trial before delivering the sentence, he said. Ministership is no big thing for the party, he added.

Party meetings

The party has decided to convene general bodies in all districts. Rallies and meetings will be organised throughout the State in the next two months. The State meeting of the party will take place on December 17, 18 and 19 in Kottayam, he said.

He also denied rumours about his absence from a reception given to Mr. Jacob at Piravom two days ago. "I'm being treated in a private hospital. I've come for this press meet from the hospital, and am going back to it now," he said.

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