VS, Pinarayi still polls apart: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Oommen Chandy said the conflict between CPM leaders V S Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan was continuing unabated. "The LDF cadres are now speaking about the unity developed between both leaders. But, in fact, contradictions in their positions are exposed every day," Chandy wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday.
"While campaigning in Poonjar, VS clearly gave a message to cadres to take a decision of their own by speaking for only a minute.P C George had been a staunch loyalist of VS during 2006 - 11 and that is the reason why he is opposed by Pinarayi Vijayan. Even though CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan endorsed George, Vijayan took a strong stance against his entry to the LDF. After VS's campaign, George got the confidence to say that the campaign had been for him," Chandy wrote.
He said both leaders would start fighting each other after May 19.
In another FB post, Chandy asked VS to offer a public apology to him as he had failed to prove the allegation that there were cases against him. "I had challenged him to challenge my nomination by bringing evidence for cases against me. But he didn't bring anything and my nomination was accepted. VS should now show the courtesy to offer a public apology," he said.
Chandy said while VS tried to create a smokescreen about cases against him, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran made it clear that there were no cases against him. "Rajendran said what they meant was the complaints against the CM in various forums. That means a prominent LDF constituent is also not convinced about VS's stance," said Chandy.