'IUML will voice opinions on issues at UDF meet'

KOZHIKODE: IUML - which has already expressed its divergent stand on the tussle between the government and the governor to the Congress - will spell out its stand on the bill being moved by the government to replace the governor as chancellor of universities at the UDF meeting on Monday just before the assembly session, along with other issues.
This decision was taken at the parliamentary party meeting held in Malappuram that was chaired by IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal on Sunday.IUML had opposed the governor's move seeking the resignation of several vice-chancellors and IUML general secretary PK Kunhalikutty had said that the party doesn't endorse every act of the governor and won't support any move against the principles of the Constitution.
IUML does not want to be seen as a party taking the governor's side as it thinks that he is brazenly advocating Sangh Parivar's agenda on various issues. Also, the party is concerned that if the governor gets an absolute say in VC appointments then pro-Sangh Parivar academics could come at the helm of varsities in Kerala.
It is learnt that the party would make its stand clear at the UDF meeting and will be vocal in stating it in the assembly but would go along with the consensus that will emerge in the UDF.
Addressing the media after the meeting of MLAs, Kunhalikutty said IUML had its own opinion on issues and the party will present it at the UDF meeting. "The stand of IUML on these important issues is clear now. We will voice it at the UDF meeting on Monday and we will go to the assembly session after evolving a consensus," he added.
Meanwhile, the meeting also saw party MLAs and leaders expressing resentment over the escalating war of words in the Congress over MP Shashi Tharoor's public engagements in Kerala and said that it was not beneficial for the front. But, IUML state general secretary PMA Salam said that the matter was an internal issue of the Congress and that the matter was not discussed at the meeting.