UDF high-powered meet on Monday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A sudden brake to control the fast track style of governance practiced by the Oommen Chandy Government may be applied by the UDF high-powered committee which will meet here on Monday. Dissatisfied constituents which are all set to raise a number of issues at the meeting have plans to ensure that Oommen Chandy should consult with all constituents before taking important decisions.The resentment brewing after the surprise announcement of cultural academy heads will come to the fore at Monday’s meeting with Socialist Janata Democratic and JSS all set to demand cancellation of all appointments made after the last UDF meeting. “In the last meeting, there was criticism at the unilateral style of functioning by a section of ministers. The UDF then decided to take decisions based on consensus only. But, it had been violated again,’’ said Varghese George, secretary general of SJD.  The JSS is also embittered at the humiliation it suffered from the Congress following its rout in the election. The JSS and CMP had demanded that they be given more posts in corporations and boards as they didn’t have any representation in the government. But, the Congress is yet to give a nod of approval to their claims including that of a membership in the Planning Board. Both these constituents are likely to demand a mechanism which will ensure fair deal for all UDF constituents in the sharing of boards and corporations.The UDF meeting will also discuss the proposal for bus fare and power tariff hike.The government is cautiously considering these proposals as it will generate protest from all quarters. A final decision on bus fare hike will only be taken on August 5 after taking into account the recommendation of the UDF leadership. Kerala Congress(B) is likely to demand that its president R Balakrishna Pillai’s remission petition be cleared by the government. The party will ask the UDF to give direction to the government to free all prisoners who are above 75 years of age. However, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Sunday held secret discussions with Pillai to gauge his mind.Chandy is learnt to have apprised Pillai of the practical difficulties before the government in allowing his remission plea. Constituents, including the Muslim League, will point out the lack of consultation before finalising the liquor policy. There were several lapses in the policy, feel UDF partners, as it was not discussed in the UDF. On Sunday, Congress leader and Minister Aryadan Mohammed also came up with criticism on the lack of consultation before finalising the liquor policy.