'NCP should take decision on nominee in LDF govt'

Kochi: The CPI(M) today said the NCP should decide on its ministerial nominee in the Kerala LDF government for the post that fell vacant after its leader A K Saseendran quit as transport minister over sleaze allegations.

The Nationalist Congress Party NCP, an ally of the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Alliance government, has only two members, Saseendran and Kuttanad MLA Thomas Chandy, in the state assembly.

Saseendran quit the government yesterday after surfacing of an audio clip with the former minister purportedly speaking to a woman in a sexual undertone.

"Saseendran was made the minister in the slot allocated to the NCP in the LDF government. It is a slot allocated for them. That party should decide on their next representative in the government. The matter will be discussed in the LDF also," CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters in reply to a query on NCP's representation in the government.

Balakrishnan said the NCP leader quit the post assuming "the high moral grounds."

"The allegations against Saseendran did not dent the image of the government. Saseendran resigned immediately after the allegation was levelled against him. We welcome it," he said.

The minister alleged that efforts were being made by certain forces to destabilise the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala.

"But the government is able to move forward despite such destabilising bids," Balakrishnan said.

The LDF government had earlier in the day decided to order a judicial probe into the sleaze allegations against Saseendran

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said a decision on the terms of reference and the judge who will head the probe would be finalised at the next cabinet meeting on Wednesday.