THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the UDF has decided to join hands with the LDF to counter the centre's alleged assault on the state co-operative sector, the Congress stood divided with KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran rejecting the proposal and Mr T.N. Prathapan MLA siding with him. Mr K. Muraleedharan MLA, however, flayed Mr Sudheran's stand. The UDF meeting held here on Monday ahead of the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the afternoon agreed for a joint protest. Despite the efforts made by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala to pacify Mr Sudheeran, he did not relent.
Later, Mr Chennithala told reporters that the UDF had decided for a joint resolution as well as join an all-party delegation to meet the central leaders in New Delhi. The centre should permit the co-operative banks to exchange the demonetised notes and the employees of co-operative banks and co-operators will hold a joint protest. If the issue is not resolved, strong protests will be launched," he said. The Muslim League demanded a joint fight against the Centre. Muslim League leader P. K. Kunhalikutty called for setting aside the political differences on the co-operative sector.
Mr Sudheeran told reporters at the KPCC office that the UDF had not decided on a joint fight with the CPM. But an all-party team will leave for New Delhi with a common resolution. There were issues over the CPM trying to hijack the co-operative sector, he added. "The UDF will support a common resolution and join the delegation to meet the Union ministers. If the talks fail, the UDF will decide on the future course of action. This was what Chennithala meant," said Mr Sudheeran. KPCC vice-president V. D. Satheesan did not attend the UDF meeting in protest against the disunity among the Congress leaders.
