Chandy parries query on Kerala minister's offer to quit

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today declined to comment on reports about the resignation of Forest Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who has come under a cloud of an alleged extra-marital affair.
"I have nothing to say on this now. If I have to say something I will let you (media) know first," Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting when asked about speculation about Kumar's offer to resign.
However, according to United Democratic Front (UDF) sources, the issue will figure in the meeting of the ruling UDF's state committee tomorrow which will take final call on the matter which has caused deep embarrassment to the government.

"Though this is not on the agenda (prepared earlier), any issue could be discussed by the committee," Chandy said when asked about the possibility of tomorrow's meeting deciding the fate of the actor-turned politician belonging to the Kerala Congress (B).
Reports said Kumar had made the offer to quit when he met Chandy last night and wanted him to probe the "conspiracy" behind the allegation, which was first made by government Chief Whip P C George at a press meet in Kottayam on March 3.
George levelled the allegation against Kumar seizing on a newspaper report that a minister had been beaten up by the husband of a woman with whom he had an affair, without naming the minister.

Kumar had hit back saying he would sue George for levelling a totally baseless charge.

Asked about the propriety of the Chief Whip airing allegation against a minister in the open, Chandy said "those occupying responsible positions should exercise moderation."
Kumar also attended today's cabinet meeting.
Meanwhile, UDF convener P P Thankachan said at Kochi that he had received a complaint against George from the minister. The issue would be discussed at tomorrow's UDF meeting.