Kerala labour minister in the dock for meeting Modi

Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday sought an explanation from state labour minister Shibu Baby John (RSP-B) after he met Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to discuss the 'Gujarat model of development'.

Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday sought an explanation from state labour minister Shibu Baby John (RSP-B) after he met Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to discuss the 'Gujarat model of development'.

On a visit to Ahmedabad, the minister had called on the Gujarat chief minister on Thursday. When the issue snowballed into a controversy, the chief minister said the minister had met the Gujarat CM without his knowledge and sought an explanation from him. He also made it clear that the Gujarat model of development was not acceptable for Kerala.

Later labour minister admitted that he should have avoided such a meeting.

"I wanted to know about the Gujarat model of skill development and training. This was part of my department. When I met state labour minister he suggested that I meet Modi, too," John explained.

Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala, Union overseas minister Vayalar Ravi and Muslim League (second biggest partner in the ruling United Democratic Front) also criticised the minister's meeting with the Gujarat chief minister.