Full 5 years in office? Not sure, says Kerala CM Oommen Chandy

Amid detractors’ call for a change of leadership in the Kerala government, Oommen Chandy on Sunday said he was not sure whether he would complete his term as Chief Minister, but asserted Congress-led UDF would stay in power for five years.

Addressing the media on completing four years in office, Chandy said it was up to the people to evaluate whether the corruption allegations have affected the image of the government. The ensuing byelection to Aruvikkara assembly seat would be a referendum on the performance of the government, he said.

Recently, state vice-president of Congress V D Satheeshan, a prominent leader of Chandy’s rival group, had attacked the government, saying it was under the shadow of corruption. He also presented Ramesh Chennithala as the most presentable face of Congress in Kerala — a right candidate to unseat Chandy. Refusing to comment on Satheeshan’s remarks, the CM said: “I am satisfied with the performance of my governmen. I am getting full support from the party. There is no magic behind me completing four years in office. It was possible only because of the support from the party.”

On Congress leader A K Antony’s comment that corruption has become rampant in the government, CM said there was nothing wrong in the observation, which had tone of alert. However, it should not be construed as a performance review of the UDF government, he said, adding, “Let the people examine whether the government is corrupt.”

Source:: Indian Express