‘Even with binoculars, Kerala CM cannot be found’: BJP mocks Congress over delay

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over the delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala, saying the party was trapped in “confusion” despite securing a massive electoral mandate in the state.

Speaking to IANS, Poonawalla said, “Today I have brought binoculars because I am using them to look and see that it has been nine days. Where is the Chief Minister of Kerala? People voted saying they want a Chief Minister to be appointed, but even with binoculars, the Congress party’s Chief Minister cannot be found.”

Continuing his criticism, the BJP spokesperson said, “This is happening because INC is being said to mean ‘I Need Confusion.’ The Congress party should learn from the Bharatiya Janata Party. In West Bengal, a government has been formed, and cabinet decisions have also started. In Assam, the government has been formed. But in places where the Indian National Congress has a full majority, there is complete confusion.”

The remarks came as uncertainty continued over Congress’ choice for Kerala Chief Minister, with the party’s high command yet to announce a final decision after prolonged consultations in New Delhi.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held discussions with the three principal contenders for the post, party’s general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and V.D. Satheesan, along with state president Sunny Joseph.

The meeting, which lasted over three hours earlier on Saturday, was also attended by the party’s observers Ajay Maken and Mukul Wasnik. Discussions were held both jointly and separately with the leaders.

The Congress-led United Democratic Front registered a decisive victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, ending a decade of rule by the Left Democratic Front. The UDF secured 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while the LDF was reduced to 35 seats.

The BJP won three Assembly constituencies in the state — Nemom, Kazhakuttam and Chathannoor.

–IANS

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