Close on the heels of his interactive session with the stake holders in natural rubber sector, Union Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons has found himself in the vortex of a minor political storm.
While Kerala Congress (M) MPs Jose K. Mani and Joy Abraham found their place on the dais along with the Minister, Congress MP from Pathanamthitta Anto Antony and his counterpart from Mavelikara, Kodikunnil Suresh were not invited. Same was the case with Joice George, MP from Idukki.
The local Congressmen were sore at the fact that while the meeting was held at the Indian Rubber Research Institute (IRRI), Puthupplly, the local MLA from the place, Oommen Chandy was not invited.
When the issue was raised at the media briefing on the sidelines of the interactive session, Mr. Alphons passed the buck on the Rubber Board authorities. “This meeting was not called by me. It was organised by the Rubber Board and it was they who decided as to who all should be invited,” he said.
He said next time he was ready to invite all the MPs and MLAs from Kerala.
Meanwhile, Mr. Antony had already taken up the matter with the Union Minister of Commerce. On the other hand, Mr. Suresh came out with a statement alleging that the interactive session was a political ploy on the part of Mr. Alphons to create a constituency for himself. “He had assured the BJP leadership that his elevation as a Minister would help to turn the tide in favour of the BJP in Kerala. So far nothing has happened,” he said.
Mr. Suresh questioned the sincerity of Mr. Alphons and pointed out that for the past four years, he along with other MPs from Kerala were trying to intervene for the rubber farmers. “However, the Modi government had followed a policy that suited the manufacturers and nothing concrete had been done for the farmers,” he said. “Now what are they going to do in the last one year of their term?” he asked.
The presence of KC(M) leaders at the interface have also given rise to new theories as Mr. Alphons is considered as a prospective BJP candidate from Central Travancore in the coming Parliament election. According to a Congress leader, they both need each other. “An unholy nexus is taking shape,” said the Congress leader seeking anonymity.
