Kerala CM’s new headache: George Vs Anto Antony

Thiruvananthapuram: The challenge before Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is not about governance or cabinet reshuffle, but how to rein in chief whip P. C. George. The new headache for the government and the KPCC is about Mr George’s blog against Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony.

On Friday, Mr George compared Mr Antony to a ‘mangy dog’ which fears to face the world. Though he did not name Mr Anto Antony in the blog, the attack was clearly directed against him.

At the KPCC executive meeting held on Thursday, Mr Antony had complained to the KPCC leadership that Mr George wanted to defeat him in Pathanamthitta. He also alleged that Mr George had sent a quotation team to finish him off.

Mr Anto told DC on Friday, “Who will listen to that wretched fellow? I have already put forth my complaint to the party and let’s see what it will do,” he said.

KPCC vice-president V. D. Satheeshan told DC that “the KPCC has seriously taken note of the issue, especially today’s blog. The KPCC will bring this before the UDF and the KC (M) leadership. This is a serious issue and George will be reined in,” he said.

Culture Minister K. C. Joseph maintained that the KPCC has no fear of Mr George and that his rhetoric will be dealt with seriously.

Meanwhile, Mr Chandy will leave for New Delhi on June 2 to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and take up the state’s issues. He will also meet the Congress high command and hold talks on the cabinet expansion.