UDF

2014, മാർച്ച് 18, ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച

“Wrecked creature” not a word in Congress man’s dictionary, says Chandy

“Wrecked creature” not a word in Congress man’s dictionary, says Chandy

Thrissur: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday said that the Congress men and the UDF workers should not have a word like “wrecked creature” in their dictionary, in an obvious warning to Congress legislator V T Balram.
The chief minister was apparently cautioning the Thrithala MLA for his Facebook post targeting a local bishop Mathew Anikuzhikkattil with the remarks while inaugurating an election campaign here.
“Broadmindedness is a policy of the Congress and the UDF. Those who support the front have the right to criticise too. If the criticism is meaningful, we should correct it and go ahead. Else, we should make them understand the matter,” Chandy said.
“I have faced sharp criticism from accomplices throughout my tenure in politics. I have never thought that was to weaken me. Criticism should be taken in its spirit. Nobody is unquestionable,” said the chief minister.
He added that the Congress would face the fate of the CPI-M in future if they showed intolerance.
Balram’s Facebook outburst towards the bishop was following his unfriendly approach towards Congress candidate Dean Kuriakose.
The issue started when Congress candidate for Idukki, Dean Kuriakose, called on the Bishop Saturday seeking his blessings. During the meeting, the Bishop said political leaders visit him when elections are round the corner but forget about their commitments when in power.
Balram posted on Facebook that it is a common courtesy to behave decently when someone approaches you seeking votes. And it is a pity that there are wrecked creatures who shoo away those who come to their home.
Fearing that the Congress legislator’s comment would adversely hit party prospects in Idukki, Congress state president V M Sudheeran warned that leaders should be cautious while making comments. Balram came under fire at the party election committee meeting, where Sudheeran assured the members that he would discipline the young legislator.
When his reaction was sought on the controversy, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that he did not think Balaram would have made such a comment. Chandy, however, added that Balaram would be censured if he had made adverse remarks against the Bishop.