Chandy Government Will Retain Power: Antony

Kochi, Feb 6 (IANS) The Oommen Chandy government in Kerala will retain power in the assembly elections scheduled later this year, former defence minister A.K. Antony said on Saturday -- a hope contrary to the state's history so far.

"There has been no government that has done so much for the state, like the present one and hence there will be continuity of governance and Chandy government will retain power," Antony told reporters here.

The Congress leader's confidence runs contrary to Kerala's electoral history.

No government in the state has been able to retain power in the assembly elections. It has always alternated between the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

"Yes, there might have been some issues now, but people of Kerala know what is happening and when they decide to finally cast their vote, they will vote for the Chandy government," added Antony, alluding to the solar scam and the bar bribery scam that have bruised the UDF government in the last few weeks.

Antony has been a three time chief minister of Kerala, but has not got a full five year term.

Chandy, despite having a tough ride, is all set to become the second Congress chief minister after K. Karunakaran to have a full five year term.

The elections to the 140-member Kerala Assembly are expected to take place in April/May.