Karunakaran did not resign on Isro spy case: Oommen Chandy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twisting history, Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy now says he hadn’t demanded the resignation of K Karunakaran in 1995 based on Indian Space Research Organization spy case.
"The resignation was due to difference of opinion in the Rajya Sabha candidate selection. The present situation cannot be compared to that," said chief minister Oommen Chandy.
While speaking to reporters in his post-cabinet news conference he said, "ISRO espionage case has nothing to do with the resignation of K Krunakaran from the chief minister post.You should verify the media reports published during that time."
When he was told that the media has reports and visuals to prove Chandy demanding the resignation of Karunakaran following the high court verdict against Raman Srivastava, Chandy said, "you are distorting facts. Please show me the reports or visuals of me demanding the resignation of Karunakaran."
He said that there was serious difference of opinion over the candidature for the Rajya Sabha election at that time and that was the reason that led to the resignation of K Kanruankaran. "Dr MA Kuttappan was finalized as the Congress nominee for the Rajy Sabha seat but at the last minute the party high command asked me to withdraw him. Then I informed the party high command that Kuttappan will withdraw the resignation but I will also resign as finance minister from the UDF government," said Oommen Chandy.
This has led to the serious difference of opinion in the party and the later developments led to the resignation of K Karunakaran.
Chandy also urged the media not to compare the present situation with that. "This is a different situation where there are only allegations and nothing has been proved," he said. The people of the state are seeing and understanding things. Hence there was no need for us to fear as the people are aware who are behind the conspiracy and allegations that are coming against the government, he added.
In 1995 Oommen Chandy had led the revolt against K Karunakaran following his open support given to Raman Srivastava. However, the high court verdict seeking action against Raman Srivastava triggered a revolt in the Congress and the "A" group led by Oommen Chandy pulled down K Karunakaran from the chief minister’s chair for anointing AK Antony as the next chief minister.