IUML takes on Antony

The storm triggered by Defence Minister A K Antony’s remark that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government has failed to attract new defence projects to the state, has not receded yet.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest constituent of the UDF that holds the industries portfolio, unleashed a counter-attack against Antony through its official mouthpiece “Chadrika” on Monday. An article in the edit page said: “Circumstantial evidences do not permit us to believe that Antony made the statement with good intention.’’

It stated that since Antony is now at the Centre, dealing with national and international issues, he may have only a vague idea on the happenings in Kerala. “So he made such a remark.’’ The article wondered why a senior Congress leader like Antony did not support Chief Minister Oommen Chandy “who has been relentlessly” working for the state’s welfare.
The article argued that Kerala had taken a giant leap in terms of industrial activities.

The IUML was apparently irked since Antony lauded former chief minister V S Achuthanandan and former industries minister Elamaram Kareem for their enthusiasm to bring defence projects to the state. As many as six defence projects were launched in Kerala during the tenure of the previous CPM-led government.