T’puram: The decision to grant IUML six cabinet-rank positions will affect Kerala’s social balance, alleged BJP national secretary K Surendran. He alleged that the state cabinet decision to appoint IUML’s MK Muneer as administrative reforms commission chairman with cabinet rank will have social repercussions. Surendran added that CM VD Satheesan should not forget the experience of Oommen Chandy’s govt granting IUML a fifth ministerial berth.“While a prominent backward community was given only two ministerial positions, a single religious community has seven Cabinet-rank positions. This would lead to social inequality,” he alleged, claiming that Satheesan was pursuing dangerous politics to appease religious fundamentalists and secure a vote bank.Discussions on a sixth ministerial position for IUML had arisen during the formation of the ministry. But the party could not secure the post due to strong protests within Congress, he alleged. Surendran further alleged that govt faced pressure, including from Jamaat-e-Islami, to grant Muneer a cabinet-rank post. A govt that surrendered to a religious party won’t be able to protect Kerala’s secular character, he alleged.
