Date:13/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/13/stories/2004091303530500.htm

Kerala

First phase of my political career over, says Antony

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, SEPT. 12. The former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee member, A.K. Antony, has said that the first phase of his political life has ended with his resignation as Chief Minister of Kerala.

Speaking to presspersons at Cherthala today, Mr Antony said he had not thought of any plan for the second phase of his career. Mr Antony said he would not contest from the Cherthala Assembly constituency in future.

``The people of Cherthala elected a person like me — who is of a peculiar character — three times.'' He recalled that the people of Cherthala elected him even when political conditions were not favourable. Mr. Antony said he would stand by the people of Cherthala till his death.

Mr Antony assured the people of Cherthala that he would strive to get the development works initiated by him in the constituency completed.

The Japan-aided project for providing drinking water to the people of Ambalappuzha and Cherthala taluks was one of his dreams.

Mr. Antony arrived at Cherthala to participate in the marriage of his nephew.

Those who called on Mr. Antony at Cherthala included the Tourism Minister, K.C. Venugopal, V.M. Sudheeran, former MP, K.S. Vasudeva Sarma, political secretary to the Chief Minister, and the Alappuzha District Congress Committee president, C.R. Jayaprakash.