The issue would not affect the UDF government, and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala were capable of resolving the matter, Antony told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
Normally, such issues would be handled by the Chief Minister and the KPCC Chief, Antony said when his attention was drawn to George's remarks against T N Prathapan, MLA from Kodungallur.
A few Congress legislators had reacted strongly against George for his remarks, allegedly laced with casteist overtones, against Prathapan and wanted the state Congress and the UDF leadership to take steps to control the Chief Whip.
According to Congress sources, the legislators have asked the UDF leadership to convene a meeting of UDF liaison committee to discuss the matter.
The open verbal spat between George and Prathapan took place after the latter wrote to the Chief Minister seeking steps to protect the state's interest in cases connected with the takeover of estates whose lease period had expired in Nelliyampathi in Palakkad district.
There were allegations that George was in favour of handing over the estates to its present owners arguing that they were farmers cultivating in the land for a long period.
Congress legislators, who have come out against George, were of the opinion that the estates were in forest area and it should be conserved and protected by taking them over from private owners after the lease period had expired.
In an open letter to George, Prathapan had said he would intervene wherever the 'greedy eye' of people like George falls. The intervention would not be restricted to lease cases of estates alone, he said.
Denying the allegation, George had stated that his words were distorted and said he has the right to speak on behalf of farmers.
