Thiruvananthapuram: The high-voltage political drama began at 8 am with Thomas Chandy accompanied by Peethambaran Master calling on Mr Vijayan at his residence.
After the meeting that lasted less than 30 minutes, the duo left without speaking to media present in full strength. The focus then shifted to Secretariat where the Cabinet meeting was scheduled to begin at 9 am.
With Mr Chandy arriving in the cabinet room, revenue minister E. Chandrasekharan sent a note to the chief minister conveying the CPI decision to stay away.
All four CPI ministers were present at Mr Chandrasekharan's chamber till the Cabinet meeting got over.
The tough stand of CPI also reflected in their mouthpiece Janayugam which asked the tainted minister to resign without waiting even for a minute.
The focus shifted to chief minister’s conference hall which was chock-a-block with media persons. Everyone expected him to announce Chandy’s resignation.
A detached Mr Vijayan announced the Cabinet decisions on the reservation for economically poor among the forward communities in Devaswom recruitment and increase in retirement age of doctors.
In response to a question, he said the demand for Chandy's resignation was not discussed in Cabinet. However, he fielded most questions related to the issue and the CPI's protest.
‘Everyone needs to be heard’
Excerpts from Chief Minister’s press meet:
Q: You are known to take strong action. But why soft approach on Chandy issue?
A: In a coalition, each party has a stand. Everyone has to be heard before taking a decision.
Q: Was Chandy given a long rope because he is rich and powerful ?
A: That is not an issue. He earned money after going abroad. How does it matter to us? All issues had to be examined legally. Many issues happened long before he became a minister. Decision cannot be taken on mere hearsay. The court gave a specific verdict yesterday.
Q: Was it appropriate for him to attend Cabinet?
A: He is a minister and has every right to take part in the meeting.
Q: But why did CPI object ?
A: You better ask them.
Q: Why didn’t you intervene in time and allowed even personal criticism?
A: In coalition government, a chief minister cannot take decisions unilaterally. Mutual negotiations are required for taking decisions. After the court verdict on Tuesday, we acted at the earliest today.
Q: Why the promptness shown during Jayarajan and Saseendran issues was absent in Chandy’s case?
A: In all those issues the chief minister didn’t take unilateral decisions. The required discussions had taken place.
Q: Was it appropriate for Chandy to file petition in court against the government?
A: The court has already given its observation. No need to say anything further on this issue.
