No need for Kerala Minister to go to Saudi Arabia: BJP

BJP also said it was a matter of diplomacy and two Union ministers were addressing problems of Keralites left jobless in the kingdom

Asserting that there was no politics involved in denial of diplomatic passport to a Kerala Minister to visit Saudi Arabia, BJP state unit on Saturday said it was a matter of diplomacy and two Union ministers were addressing problems of Keralites left jobless in the kingdom.

"There is no politics, it is a matter of diplomacy. Two Union ministers — V K Singh and M J Akbar — are doing excellent job in resolving crisis related to labourers in Saudi...In the present circumstances, there is no need for a state minister to go there," BJP state President Kummanom Rajasekaran told reporters here.

His comments come a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed as "unfortunate" the denial of diplomatic passport to local Self-Government Minister K T Jaleel, deputed by his government to visit Saudi Arabia to assess the condition of expatriates from the state living in labour camps after they lost jobs.

Rajasekaran also said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj would make a statement on the steps taken on the issue in Parliament tomorrow.

Members of both the houses of Parliament, cutting across party affiliations, have expressed "full satisfaction" on the steps taken so far, he said, adding the state government should have faith in the central government.

The Centre had taken up the matter with the Saudi King itself and talks were progressing with Saudi authorities to end the crisis, he said.

Denial of diplomatic passport to Jaleel has triggered a row in the state. Opppsition Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has said it was a serious lapse on the part of the Centre.

Jaleel has put off his visit following denial of diplomatic passport.