UDF allies blow off steam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The meeting held to evaluate the one-and-half-year governance of the United Democratic Front (UDF) ministry here saw the airing of differences among the allies.
Held in the picturesque surroundings of Aruvikara on the outskirts of the city, the meeting provided the constituent parties a platform to let off steam. The most vocal, saources said, was the Kerala Congress (B) leader R.Balakrishna Pillai, who was denied a ministerial berth owing to a corruption case against him.He severely criticised the UDF rule, saying it did not serve the common man''s cause.
The internal fracas within the Congress was also raised. The handling of the police by Chief Minister A.K. Antony became a matter for heateddiscussion. Reflecting the tension among the coalition partners, leaders of the parties attacked some of the ministers for their lack of coordination and occasional highhandedness.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of UDF Convenor Oommen Chandy, began with .Antony presenting a picture of his ministry''s workings. The meeting vowed to foster better coordination among the allies.