Kerala CM Oommen Chandy sure of UDF but not his term

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said he is not sure whether he will complete his term, but the UDF Government will complete its full term. Chandy said so at the meet-the-press programme at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club on the eve of his government’s fifth year in office on Sunday.

It is interesting to note that the comment came from him when the ‘I’ faction of the Congress has been leading covert and overt operations to oust him. He said he is not the one to say whether he will complete five years in office.

However, Chandy expressed satisfaction over his last four years’ performance and said he is not making any new announcements, instead he wants to fulfil the promises given to the people.

He said it is for the people to rate whether his government has been corrupt or not, but added that the UDF will come back to power and also that the Aruvikkara byelection will be an evaluation of the government’s performance.

“The UDF Government will complete its five-year term. I can’t say whether I would complete my term as it’s not me who should be saying it. I am highly optimistic and that self-confidence will lead me to go ahead,” said an unperturbed Chandy.

He said senior Congress leader A. K. Antony’s statement urging everyone to be vigilant against corruption need not be seen in bad light. Antony is the most eligible person to comment on corruption, he said, but refused to respond to the statement of KPCC vice-president V. D. Satheeshan.

He also said his government’s aim is to complete the Vizhinjam Container Transshipment Terminal, Smart City, Kannur Airport and Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Light Metro projects on time. Refuting allegations on lack of transparency on the Vizhinjam project, Chandy said there is nothing to hide. He said no one can go scot free by creating a cloud of smoke and making controversies.

“The time has come when the governments cannot depend on budget alone. Private investments are required for major industrial projects. Funds can be collected from outside the budget for major infrastructure development. But the bovernment should be in control over them,” added Chandy.

Asked whether KC (M) MLA P. C. George is still with the UDF or not, Chandy quipped that he is friendly with everyone and has never disowned any of his political friends. He said the Kerala Congress (M) is very much with the UDF which means that George is definitely with the front. But Chandy said he had done everything for KC (B) chairman R. Balakrishna Pillai, who has shifted allegiance to the LDF now.