UDF will retain power: Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram, May 17
On the eve of his government completing four years in office, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said he was confident the people would again repose confidence in the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration when assembly elections are held next year.

"There will be continuity in government and we are confident that we will return to power after the assembly polls that will be held next year. I have confidence in the people," said Chandy while interacting with media persons here on Sunday evening ahead of his government completing four years in office.

No Kerala government in the history of the state has been returned to power.

The chief minister said his government had decided that it would not be announcing any new projects and would instead concentrate on finishing the major projects that have begun and to begin projects that have been on the drawing board of successive governments.

"If you look back, the last two major mega projects that took place in our state was the Idukki dam (in the 1970s) and the Cochin International airport (in the late 1990s). After that nothing of that size has happened and we are now in the process of completing the Kochi Metro, Kochi Smart City and Kannur airport," said Chandy.

He said Kerala lost numerous opportunities in the past and one of the main reasons was that the projects got caught up in "unnecessary controversies".

"The proposed Vizhinjam port project after several years has finally found a bidder. Now the matter is before the cabinet to make the final decision if the Adani Ports, the lone company that has come forward, should be given the green signal.

"We will discuss all aspects which would even include if there's a need to call an all-party meeting. But one thing is certain, we are not going to be cowed down by allegations that have now surfaced regarding this matter," said Chandy.

He, however, parried questions about rise in factional feud within his party.

"One thing I can say is that the UDF government will complete its full five-year term," said Chandy when asked if he would complete five years as chief minister.

He said the allegations of corruption that had come up, including solar scam and the bar scam, continue to remain mere allegations.

"Please tell me, has anyone come up with any proper evidence in all these allegations? Levelling allegations can be easy... and that's all what has happened here and the TV channels are all waiting to come out with Breaking News," added Chandy.

He also said that without the full support of his party and the allies, his government, which began with a two-seat majority in the 140-member state assembly, would not have been able to travel this far.

"I have full faith in my party and also the allies and everyone has given me their full cooperation," said Chandy.