P C Chacko adamant on withdrawing Saseendran from Pinarayi cabinet

THE state unit of the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP), a constituent of the LDF, is in a dilemma as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cold-shouldered its demand to elevate Kuttanad MLA Thomas K Thomas as minister.

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN @Kochi

NCP-SP state president and national working president P C Chacko has taken a tough stand that colleague and forest minister A K Saseendran should step down honouring the party decision. However, Saseendran said the move will strain the relationship between the NCP-SP, a long-time ally of the LDF, and the CPM.

Though Chacko had opposed Thomas's demand to share ministership a year ago, he changed his stand six months ago. Meanwhile, it is learnt that Pinarayi is not willing to replace Saseendran, who shares a good rapport with him. Allegations against Thomas also prompted the CPM to not heed the party's demand to change the minister.