Thiruvananthapuram, 15 Nov (H.S.):

The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) has publicly expressed dissatisfaction over the allocation of board and corporation posts in Kerala, with senior leader A.A. Azeez criticising the delay in convening United Democratic Front (UDF) meetings and filling leadership vacancies in public institutions.

Azeez said the absence of regular coalition meetings had deprived constituent parties of a platform to raise their demands and discuss concerns relating to the government’s functioning.

Although the UDF convenor had called for a meeting, it had yet to take place, he said.

“Six months have passed since the government assumed office. Boards, corporations and welfare fund boards in the state remain without proper leadership. This situation must be resolved at the earliest,” Azeez said.

He recalled that the Chief Minister had earlier promised decisive action on such matters, but alleged that the announcements had not translated into implementation.

Highlighting the lack of consultation within the alliance, Azeez said the RSP had learnt through media reports that chairperson posts had been allotted to the Indian Union Muslim League.

He alleged that the government machinery was moving only on certain matters, while problems affecting the poorer sections remained unresolved. Neglecting these concerns was dangerous, he warned.

Azeez also drew a comparison with the allocation of posts during the previous UDF administration headed by Oommen Chandy. The RSP had received nine positions under that government, he said, whereas it was now being forced to remain content with only four.

His remarks brought the party’s grievances over both its share of appointments and the functioning of the coalition into the open.

The criticism follows similar expressions of dissatisfaction by Congress leaders belonging to the ‘A’ group, who recently raised objections to the distribution of board and corporation posts and the prolonged delay in holding a meeting of the ruling alliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman