Thiruvananthapuram : AK Antony is returning home after 18 long years in Delhi as member of the Rajya Sabha(RS). The wish to stay put lurks nevertheless. However, the decision to head home comes with view to discontent from state leadership and opposition from the Rahul Gandhi – KC Venugopal "collaboration".
Antony’s absenteeism in Rajya Sabha over years - timed even at crucial moments - picked up much controversy. It is years since uttered anything in the House. He also lags too far behind in raising questions pertaining to Kerala. Despite serving as Union Minister and longterm RS member, Antony turned his back on development prospects for Kerala. His homecoming comes without record of having benefited Kerala in any manner from Delhi. Although, he was perceived as second in line in terms of central leadership, there was never any good that came of it for the state.
In 2004 when returned to Rajya Sabha after resigning his post as chief minister. Incidentally, the pitch for controversial Rafale figghter-plane deal originated during Antony’s tenure as Union Defence Minister. Earlier In 1995 he had resigned his post as Rajya Sabha member, landing in Kerala to topple K. Karunakaran and become Chief Minister himself.
It was a routine with Antony to visit Kerala close to elections and barrage CPI(M) with his spree of speeches. During last polls, he bragged not even CPI(M) workers wanted the Pinarayi government to return to power. He went on to claim CPI(M) will stay out of power for next 6 years – a brag that we now know fused out fully.
