CM Oommen Chandy predicts victory for UDF in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Notwithstanding the drubbing the Congress received in the recent assembly polls in four states, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy expressed confidence that the ruling Congress-led UDF in the state would achieve success in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"People will judge the government with its performance and both UDF and Congress would face the polls unitedly," Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting here.

Listing the UDF government's achievements, Chandy said the dream project -- Vizhinjam Deepsea International Container Terminal -- was going to become a reality.

The first phase of SmartCity IT project in Kochi was nearing completion and the construction work of the runway for Kannur airport has begun, he said.

The work on the LNG Terminal at Kochi was over and Prime Minister was scheduled to inaugurate it on December 21, but it has been postponed in view of the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to the state on December 20, he said.

Taking a dig at the CPI(M)-led LDF, he said when they were showing black flags, the government was performing its duties without wasting time.

Chandy also flayed the LDF's stand of "not co-operating" with the Judicial Commission to probe the solar scam. After attacking the government for the past six months over solar issue, why was the LDF not appearing before the Commission? he asked.

"Appearing before the Commission is not like making statements in the assembly and outside. Before Commission, one has to produce evidence and facts," Chandy said.

Putting his weight behind Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishan, who is under attack even from the Congress over alleged breach of rules by some accused in a political murder case in Kozhikode prison, Chandy said, "Police administration under the Home Ministry always received brickbats."

However, he said, criticism and complaints would be looked into with tolerance and patience.