A K Antony hails UDF govt's performance

KOCHI:Throwing his weight behind Kerala's beleaguered Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, senior Congress leader A K Antony today said the controversies surrounding the state government would not affect the party-led UDF's electoral prospects in the coming Assembly polls.

Hailing the performance of Chandy government, Antony said Kerala has not witnessed such a progress in all sectors under any dispensation in its history.

"The continuation of UDF rule is necessary for the better future of Kerala. I don't think controversies will affect its electoral prospects," Antony told reporters here.

Speaking on solar scam which is rocking the government, Antony said the Justice G Sivarajan Panel, probing the scandal was appointed on the basis of demands raised by opposition parties.

He criticised the Left parties and BJP for demanding resignation of the Chandy-government merely on the basis of statement by one accused. "So they (the opposition) should show patience.

They should wait for the Commission report," Antony said, adding, action should be taken against those found guilty in the scam.

"No decision can be taken on the basis of an accused's statement," he said. His statement comes days after CPI-M leader Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the "silence" of Congress leaders such as Antony over solar scam and bar bribery charges haunting the Chandy regime.

Vijayan had said "silence" of Antony, known as "Mr Clean" was a pointer to the "moral bankruptcy" of Congress.