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.
