Image credit : Illustrative Image

A war of words broke out between CPI(M) and CPI, the coalition partners in the Kerala LDF Government after Ministers belonging to the CPI skipped a Cabinet meeting over Transport Minister Thomas Chandy’s resignation.

The CPI(M) Polit Bureau criticised the CPI and termed it as immature and improper the action of CPI Ministers boycotting the meeting.

CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan accused the CPI of having played into the hands of UDF, which was suffering heavily following the submission of solar scam inquiry report.

Talking to reporters in Thirvananthapuram on Thursday, he said the Chief Minister was in discussion with the national leadership of NCP to secure Chandy’s resignation. He rejected the charge that CPI(M) and the Chief Minister tried to protect Chandy. “It is not proper in a coalition set up to adopt an approach wherein to accept credit only and leave criticism to others. CPI’s action helped rescue the Congress’ stained face following revelations in the solar commission report,” he said.

At the same time, CPI State Assistant Secretary Prakash Babu said the party did not want to take credit for Chandy’s resignation and anyone could take it.

“The party only wanted to remove him (Chandy) as he was facing allegations of land encroachments,” he said and disputed Balakrishnan’s remark that they were informed about Chandy’s decision to resign.