NEW DELHI: JD(S) leader C K Nanu has said that the LDF was unaware of the appointment of former Attingal MP A Sampath as Kerala’s special envoy in New Delhi.

“However, discussions might have been held with Water Resources Minister K Krishnankutty. The Kerala government on Thursday decided to appoint Sampath as the special envoy of the state in New Delhi.

The cabinet decided to allot Sampath the rank of a minister for the rest of the tenure of the state government. A government release said the appointment would come with the perks of a private secretary, two assistant private secretaries, one office attendant, and a driver.

Meanwhile, Sampath said that his appointment would not be a futile exercise and he would intervene to make Central government projects beneficial to Kerala.

But, KPCC president Mullapally Ramachandran has said Sampath’s appointment is extravaganza at a time when Kerala is reeling under financial crisis.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said Sampath’s appointment is a challenge to the people. “In the history of Kerala, this is for the first time a failed MP is being made an envoy with Cabinet rank. Appointing him on the day when flood cess was imposed is not at justifiable,” Chennithala said.