Thiruvananthapuram: UDF convenor Adoor Prakash's remarks about the lack of consultations in the ruling front drew criticism from Congress leaders on Friday, with several calling for greater unity and collective efforts to resolve differences within the alliance.
Prakash complained at a press conference on Thursday that key decisions were being taken without consultation, UDF meetings were not being held and that he was learning about important developments through the media.
Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said the government should ensure a peaceful atmosphere, proper consultations and a dignified approach in handling issues within the alliance.
"This is a government that people enthusiastically brought to power. Naturally, they expect a corresponding return from it. That will happen, as all sections have the maturity for it," he told reporters.
He said differences should be resolved through mutual consultations and all constituents should stand together to address people's problems.
"We should be able to stand before the people with a united approach, without differing positions. That is what is needed," he said.
Asked about Prakash's allegation that the chief minister was not convening UDF meetings, Radhakrishnan said such matters should be discussed within the alliance.
Meanwhile, Health Minister K Muraleedharan said he had no complaints regarding consultations with the chief minister.
"I used to say earlier that I came to know about certain things only after reading newspapers. At that time, everyone criticised me and advised me to raise such issues within the party forum. Now, those who had criticised me are saying the same things," he said.
Asked whether the chief minister was not holding consultations within the alliance, Muraleedharan said he was being informed of matters concerning him.
"I am a minister working under him. The chief minister informs me of matters that I need to know. Since the KPCC president is also a Cabinet member, we meet and communicate regularly. I have no complaints on this matter now," he said.
Meanwhile, KPCC general secretary BRM Shafeer sharply criticised Prakash's press conference, comparing it to an alleged incident involving a co-pilot attacking the pilot of a flydubai aircraft.
"His press conference was like a co-pilot stabbing the main pilot of an aircraft flying at high speed in the right direction and attempting to bring it down," he said.