Significantly, the attack came in an article by a Youth Wing leader of IUML in the party organ Chandrika, despite Antony himself clarifying that too much politics need not be read into the speech he made at BrahMos unit here last week.
Antony's earlier remarks that a proper atmosphere had been lacking in the state for bringing defence production units were interpreted by political circles in Kerala and media as an open displeasure of the functioning of the UDF Ministry headed by Oommen Chandy.
After making some stinging observations against Antony, the writer concluded his article, saying, "circumstantial evidences do not permit to believe that Antony's criticism was the result of good intentions."
Leaders of the IUML, the second largest partner in the UDF holding portfolios including Industries, had earlier taken strong objection to Antony's speech at BrahMos unit since they suspected that its main target had been party leader and Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty.
Kunhalikutty, with whom Antony had a strained relationship during his last stint as Kerala Chief Minister, was present when he made critical comments against the UDF Government.
After embarrassing the government, Antony himself on Saturday clarified that his intention was not to put the Oommen Chandy Government on the dock.
Now, the appearance of a critical write-up against the senior Congress leader has irked the Antony campers in the party in Kerala as they believe that such an article would not have got published without the IUML leaders being aware of it.