Coordination panel backs govt decision on local bodies’ poll
KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran said that group fight in the Congress would not be tolerated
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KPCC-Government coordination committee meeting has decided not to postpone the local body elections.
The meeting asked Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to appeal against the High Court’s order cancelling the formation of new panchayats and corporations. It also decided to settle the issues in connection with the murder of Congress activist A. C. Haneefa at Chavakkad.
The CM was asked to hold talks with UDF allies and legal experts on holding the local bodies’ elections as per schedule. He maintained that no arguments should arise in the UDF over ward bifurcation, especially with the Muslim League.
Later, KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran said that group fight in the Congress would not be tolerated.
“The issues that have cropped up at Guruvayoor would be settled. The CM and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will talk to the local leadership there,” he said.
Cooperation Minister C. N. Balakrishnan did not attend the meeting in protest against the KPCC’s decision to suspend Mr Gopaprathapan, Guruvayoor block Congress committee president from the party.
Other prominent leaders who did not attend include Power Minister Aryadan Muhammed, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P. J. Kurien, MPs Kodikunnil Suresh and K. C. Venugopal due to the Parliament session. AICC secretary in charge of the state Dipak Babaria was present.