Move will make UDF strong: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala has said that the decision to give the Rajya Sabha seat  to KC (M)  would  strengthen the UDF in the  run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Mr Chennithala said it was a political decision and added that the current protests were due to the  lack of understanding of the spirit behind the decision. "This is a one-time decision taken to strengthen and unify the UDF. Congress will not lose its seat. In 2020, Congress will get two seats,"  said Chennithala.

He recalled that even earlier RS seats were swapped when  Muslim League leader P. V. Abdul Wahab's seat was given to  Mr A. K. Antony. He hoped that in the   next Assembly election in 2021, the UDF will trounce the CPM and the BJP.
“During V. M. Sudheeran’s tenure,  major decisions were taken by the three of us. Then there was no discussion in any of the committees. I will be  happy  if Kurien  gets a coveted post.  If you think that the KC (M) has been given the   seat in advance  for 2021,   the protest would naturally disappear,”  he  added.

Mr P.J. Kurien and Mr Chennithala enjoy good   rapport in the party.   Sources told DC that Mr  Kurien was behind giving the home portfolio to Mr Chennithala  from Mr Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in the previous Oommen Chandy cabinet  with the blessings of CWC member  A. K. Antony. This had not gone down well with  Mr Chandy as his  group MLA Thiruvanchoor had to be content  with transport and  forest portfolios.