Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF meeting on Tuesday is likely to see heated exchanges between Congress and allies over the recent controversy kicked up K. Muraleedharan calling the opposition as ineffective. But all eyes will be on former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy - whether or not he would attend the meet, to be held at Cantonment House, the official residence of Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala at 10 am.
Leaders said there was no particular agenda and they would discuss the prevailing political situation. Even after several days since Muslim League and Kerala Congress (Jacob) accused Chennithala of leading a weak Opposition, they see no change in it. A prominent leader said BJP had taken over their role and they are miles ahead of the UDF in highlighting the ration issue as well as the drought in several districts.
Last month's ration quota is yet to be distributed. “Congress alone cannot be blamed. But there's no team spirit as all of us have been lackadaisical in highlighting burning issue. Of course, Congress and KC (J) had taken out protests over the ration issue, but were not as effective as the BJP,” he said. KC (J) chairman Johnny Nellore said the price of rice in the open market had since increased to Rs 10 – Rs 20 per kilo while Rs 246 crore has to be distributed to rice farmers for rice procure several months back. “If it were the LDF in the Opposition, they would have torched the state. It shows that UDF has been lax in taking up these kinds of issues,” he told DC.
On Mr Chandy attending the meeting, he said it's difficult to think about UDF without him. “My personal view is that he should be at the forefront. If he is not attending the UDF meeting on Tuesday, it is going to be difficult for the UDF,” Mr Nellore added.
