KPCC Political Affairs Committee flags lack of party-government coordination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even after more than 100 days in office, the UDF government came under criticism over the lack of effective coordination between the Congress party and the government. The issue came up at the KPCC Political Affairs Committee meeting, where AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunsi, called for immediate steps to improve coordination. She said the lack of coordination had led to controversies, including over the appointment of pleaders, and said the government should not proceed with the PM SHRI scheme.

The meeting, held on Thursday, was the first Political Affairs Committee meeting since the government came to power. Most leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in the reorganisation of the KPCC. They pointed out that both the KPCC and DCCs were in a state of stagnation, affecting the party's ability to take the government's achievements to the people.

P.J. Kurien said a prolonged delay in the reorganisation could affect the functioning of the government. Sunny Joseph also supported Kurien's demand for a full-time KPCC president.

Ajay Tharayil and Johnson Abraham criticised the government's decision to implement PM SHRI as directed by the Centre. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, however, said the state could no longer withdraw from the scheme and would proceed only after setting clear conditions. Satheesan also said he could not agree with the criticism that there was a lack of coordination between the party and the government, pointing out that the KPCC president and other key office-bearers are part of the Cabinet.

Minister Ramesh Chennithala attended the meeting online. Shashi Tharoor MP and Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman were absent.

Board, corporation posts: Leaders oppose giving up key positions

The allocation of posts in boards and corporations was another major issue discussed at the meeting. Most leaders felt that key positions should remain with the Congress.

Some leaders pointed out reports suggesting that posts, including that of the chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission, could be given to coalition partners. They stressed that long-serving party workers who had worked hard for the Congress should not be overlooked. The leaders also said this should be kept in mind while discussing the distribution of posts with coalition partners. Satheesan said criteria had already been fixed and that the allocation would be completed before September 15.

Liquor policy not discussed

The controversial decision to sell low-alcohol beverages, which had triggered considerable debate during the early days of the UDF government's tenure, did not come up for discussion at the meeting. There was also no discussion on the new liquor policy.