LDF meet skips Thettayil issue

In an apparent tactic to extend support to former LDF minister Jose Thettayil (JD-S) who was booked by police in a sexual harassment case, a party leadership meeting today skipped discussion over the issue.
"The issue did not come up at the meeting of the front and no discussion was held on the matter," Front Convener Vaikom Viswam told reporters here after the meeting.
To the repeated queries of reporters asking why such an important issue was ignored in today's meet, Viswam maintained that the issue did not come up before the meet.
Investigations on the allegation against Thettayil was on, Viswam said, adding "let the probe result come".

Meanwhile, a meeting of JD-S leader held here took the view that Thettayil need not resign immediately. "The party gave more credence to the version of Thettayil," party sources said.
In her complaint, a woman had alleged that she was sexually abused by Thettayil and his son at a flat at Aluva near Kochi last year.
Jose Thettayil, former transport minister and his son Adarsh were two accused in the case.
Thettayil had said that he would face the case legally, it was a 'political conspiracy' against him.