Thiruvananthapuram, 01 Oct (H.S.): Differences within the ruling United Democratic Front surfaced on Thursday as alliance convenor Adoor Prakash publicly criticised Chief Minister V D Satheesan, alleging that he had been kept uninformed about several important government matters.

Prakash, a senior Congress leader and the MP from Attingal, also held Satheesan responsible for the failure to convene UDF meetings to discuss key issues. His remarks brought disagreements over coordination between the government and the alliance into the open.

“It is Satheesan, as the Chief Minister, who should take the initiative to convene a UDF meeting. That has not been done,” Prakash said.

The convenor said the absence of meetings had prevented the alliance from taking up several important matters for discussion. He placed the responsibility for initiating those consultations squarely on the Chief Minister.

Prakash also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as being kept in the dark on multiple occasions. He made it clear that he did not intend to remain silent about his concerns.

Pointing out that the Congress leadership had appointed him UDF convenor, Prakash underscored his position within the alliance while explaining why he was speaking publicly about the lack of communication.

He said Congress workers across Kerala regularly approached him seeking information and answers about government affairs. However, he indicated that he could not respond adequately when he himself had not been informed about the issues they raised.

“Workers from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram ask me about matters related to the government. I may not know about all of them,” he said.

His criticism centred on two concerns: the lack of UDF meetings to discuss important issues and insufficient communication with the alliance convenor.

The remarks exposed fresh strains within both the Congress and the UDF, with Prakash openly questioning Satheesan’s handling of consultations and the flow of information.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman