Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111318320500.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Patel promises to do his best for the State

Special Correspondent

KOCHI: Union Civil Aviation Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel, who attended the NCP-DIC(K) merger meeting here on Sunday, was all praise for K. Karunakaran.

Mr. Patel, while addressing the convention, said whatever Mr. Karunakaran wanted him to do for Kerala's development as the Union Civil Aviation Minister, it would be done.

Mr. Patel said Mr. Karunakaran had urged him to get the Kannur airport project speeded up. "This would be done," the Minister said. Mr. Karunakaran also wanted more Gulf flights from Nedumbassery airport and also cheaper flights. These also would be considered, Mr. Patel said.

He said the Kochi airport was the product of Mr. Karunakaran's vision. He termed the senior leader as the `architect of modern Kerala.'

D.P. Thripathi, NCP general secretary in charge of Kerala, made a valiant attempt to speak a few words in Malayalam.

NCP State president Cyriac John, all-India general secretary T.P. Peethambaran Master and party working committee member A.C. Shanmughadas spoke at the convention.