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. Local Congressmen were sore at the fact that while the meeting was held at the Indian Rubber Research Institute, Puthuppally, local MLA Oommen Chandy was not invited.
When the issue was raised at a media briefing, Mr. Alphons passed the buck on the Rubber Board authorities.
