Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday said those who felt that they are not young can stay away from elections. He was responding to questions from mediapersons on the statement by T N Prathapan MLA that he would not contest the elections to pave the way for youths. He, however, added that Prathapan was young.
Reacting to a question on whether it was the greed for power that made people contest repeatedly in elections, Mr Chandy said that it could also be the greed for serving the people. It is for individuals to decide whether to contest the election or not. Their party also has a say on it.
The CM said in Congress candidate selection was the prerogative of the high command. “I am not in a position to comment on it. The selection of candidates in the Congress is in the process and it would take its own course,” he added.
To a question on the candidature of Mr Achuthanandan he said “you better put this question to Mr Pinarayi Vijayan.” When pointed out that Mr Achuthanandan had asked Mr Sudheeran to advise Mr Chandy to stay away from electoral fray, the chief minister shot back: “So you are putting these question to me after knowing all these things.”
On question why KPCC President who was in constant personal contact with the Chief Minister, was writing letters to him, Mr Chandy said; “it was with a view to help me by explaining the details. It is convenient for examining the issues if it is in the form of the letter. Moreover it is easy to intiate action.”
Meanwhile, Muslim League leader expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to sort out issues relating to seat sharing among UDF allies. This was apprised by the League leaders during the bilateral talks with Congress on Tuesday. The league leaders were of the view that seat sharing talks cannot go on indefinitely. The meeting could not arrive at a decision on the exchange of some seats between the Congress and IUML.
