Breather for Oommen Chandy in solar scam

Beleagured Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, under attack from CPI-M led LDF opposition ever since the solar scam broke out in June, has got a breather after the Front called off its two day secretariat siege yesterday.
The manner in which the government handled the agitation, which passed off peacefully has also caught the eye of political observers, who feel it is a partial victory for Chandy as one of the opposition's main demands for his resignation over the issue has been turned down.
However, CPI-M leaders have made it clear their stir for his resignation would continue and have demanded that the Chief Minister's Office also be brought under the purview of the proposed judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge.

Chandy had already indicated that his office would not come under the probe ambit. "The opposition has pointed out numerous allegations, but they have not been able to bring in any evidence to support the charges. Hence the Chief minister will not come under scrutiny', Chandy had said.
Poltical observers feel Chandy has consolidated his position in Congress and among UDF partners by warding off a major challenge.
Though Congress in the state saw emergence of factionalism after a futile attempt for a cabinet re-shuffle by inducting KPCC Chief Rmaesh Chennithala, the party closed ranks and gave full support to the government steps to deal with the stir.

Both Chandy and Chennithala are scheduled to meet the high command next week to apprise them of the latest political situation in the state. The strategy for improving the image of the UDF ministry is also likely to be discussed with the party leaders, party sources said.