Chandy meets Veerendra Kumar, promises to resolve issues

Kozhikode: In an attempt at mollifying the JD(U), a coalition partner in the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Sunday met its state president M P Veerendra Kumar and assured him that all issues raised by him would be resolved soon.

Chandy met Veerendra Kumar at the latter's residence here this evening for about 45 minutes and assured him that the issues raised by the JD(U) will be looked into "seriously".

"Issues raised by the JD(U) leader are genuine and they will be looked into during the next meeting on May 5 at Thiruvanathapuram," Chandy told reporters.

"Congress has been adopting a strategy of treating all UDF constituents fairly," he said, adding, KPCC president V M Sudheeran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala would also be present during the next meeting.

Veerendra Kumar had recently hit out against the UDF for not giving "due consideration" to it and mentioned about some "sour experiences" as the coalition partner.

The veteran leader's outburst agaimst UDF was shortly before the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state and few days after his erstwhile Socialist Janata (Democratic) had merged with the JD(U) at the national level.

JD(U) has also demanded strong action against those responsible for his defeat in Palakkad during the Lok Sabha election last year and expressed unhappiness that the report of the UDF sub-committee, which went into the reasons for the defeat of UDF candidate, has not yet been made public.

Chandy said he had not received the report and would look into it as soon as he gets it. Action would be taken against those named in the report, he said.

Veerendra Kumar said he was happy that Chief Minister had heard the issues and had assured to resolve them soon.

The JD(U) would also participate in the regional rallies in North Kerala and bring to the notice of the people, UDF's achievements.

KPCC general secretary T Siddique and MP M K Raghavan were also present during the talks.