PM Narendra Modi pats Thomas Isaac on GST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues to take a positive attitude in their approach to issues. Mr Modi’s advice came at the special meeting with the cabinet at Kochi naval base on Saturday on his way back to New Delhi after launching the Kochi metro project. “Mr Modi said there will be political differences but when it comes to crunch situations, the LDF ministry has to be positive,” a minister told DC. “We were hugely impressed with Mr Modi’s approach and the way he handled the session with confidence and poise.”

Mr Modi was all praise for the contributions finance minister Thomas Isaac has made to the discussions on goods and services tax (GST). Mr Modi’s remarks came after Dr Isaac, on the direction of the chief minister, made a presentation on the state’s demands before the prime minister. The prime minister recalled Dr Isaac’s interventions in the numerous meetings of the GST Council in New Delhi and said they were highly commendable. The minister said Dr Isaac was caught unawares when the chief minister asked him to speak on behalf the state. 

“When Mr Modi told the chief minister that the Kerala finance minister would be able to follow it up on GST, Dr Isaac intervened and said Kerala was fully prepared. Dr Isaac also pointed out that the Centre would face enormous financial losses. Mr Modi said he was aware of it but expressed the confidence to manage it.”

Dr Isaac was again caught off guard when Mr Modi said he appreciated his approach on GST.  Mr Modi was accompanied by a lone SPG commando in the room with his aides stationed outside during the 30-minute session. Dr Isaac had planned to keep away from the meet as he had to reach Delhi to attend Sunday’s meeting on GST. Labour minister T.P. Ramakrishnan also wanted to keep off as he was unwell. The chief minister, however, wanted all ministers to be present at the meeting.