Excise Minister K. Babu withdraws resignation

Thiruvananthapuram: Excise Minister K. Babu withdrew his resignation on Saturday after the United Democratic Front backed Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s decision not to accept his resignation.

The UDF meeting also proposed that Mr. K. M. Mani, who resigned a Finance Minister, should return as Minster. However, Mr. Mani reacted that he was no in a hurry to join the ministry.

The meeting maintained that the allegations against the Chief Minister and Ministers were the result of a conspiracy hatched by the Opposition with the backing of the liquor lobby to undermine the ministry.  This should be enquired into. The Opposition was resorting to despicable actions. It was in public interest to see that its leaders do not come to power.

The meeting opined that the Kerala Congress should consider the proposal for re-induction of Mr. Mani as Minister after examining if there were any legal impediments.

Mr. Mani said that he was in no hurry to return.  He will take appropriate decision after discussing the matter in the party.

Mr. Babu said that the decision to resign was my personal decision. However, he had to submit to the wishes of party leadership and UDF.  So, he is forced to withdraw the resignation.