PDP seeks Union Minister's resignation

Kochi, June 7 (UNI) The People's Democratic Party (PDP) today sought the resignation of Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed for holding the dual posts of Minister and General Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

''It is not fair on his part to continue as the Minister after his recent election as the general secretary of the party. He should relinquish either of the posts,'' PDP Working Chairman Poonthura Siraj told a news conference here.

On the chances of Party Supremo Abdul Nazer Maudani getting bail, Mr Siraj claimed, they hoped for a better deal from the Left Democratic Front.

The Chief Minister and the CPI (M) leadership had given assurance to do everything possible within the law, he said.

The PDP had this time supported the LDF in the Assembly elections after the previous government failed to help secure the bail of Mr Maudani, who has been languishing in a Tamil Nadu jail for over seven years in connection with the Coimbatore serial blast case.

Mr Siraj said the party would hold its state camp at Pathanamthitta on June 24 and 25. Currently the PDP was holding its district leaders' meetings.

UNI JA GM AD KN1631