Antony criticises own front

In a veiled attack on the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala, Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday said he was not confident about bringing more investments for the state.

Formally launching the integration complex at BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL), he said during the last one-and-a-half years, his ministry did not start or plan any new project for Kerala.

“But the previous LDF government, especially its chief minister V S Achuthanandan and industries minister Elamaram Kareem gave me all support for starting new defence projects in the state and thus BATL was set up,’’ Antony said.

He blamed the state industries department for the situation. “We cannot get along with the department. But I don’t know the reason. Sometimes, it is our fault.’’ He said: “The defence companies cannot function like an ordinary manufacturing unit. We have to follow some restrictions and regulations in defence business.’’

Volleying questions on the status of BATL, Antony said though it was a private company, the shares were held by the company itself.