THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The prospects of Speaker G Karthikeyan opting for a ministerial berth in the Oommen Chandy government is now getting dimmer and dimmer, even as discussions are raging to reach a settlement on the fifth minister demand of the IUML connecting it with change of posts held by Congress nominees.“Under no circumstances will I take up ministerial post if I stepped down (from the Speaker post),’’ Speaker G Karthikeyan told Express. “No responsible person had so far spoken to me on this matter,’’ he said, when asked about reports that a nominee of the IUML is being considered for the speakership post.Distancing himself from the controversy, Karthikeyan said that as one who is holding an apolitical and non-partisan post, he would not like to comment on the developments.Sources close to Karthikeyan said that it was the responsibility of the Congress to come out with a clear-cut stand on the current developments. “If he is asked to step down from the Speaker’s post he will step down but will not take up any other post in the government,’’ sources said.“He would remain as an MLA if the party asked him to quit the Speaker’s post,’’ they added, dismissing reports suggesting that Karthikeyan would be willing to accept either a ministerial post with Home or Food and Civil Supplies portfolio in the UDF government.Karthikeyan has reportedly told sources that he would like to take up the post of KPCC president, if the situation so arises. But with Ramesh Chennithala making it clear after discussions with the Congress high command on Tuesday that he is not for becoming a minister at present, the chances of such an arrangement has also diminished.Sources said that Karthikeyan is also of the view that a change in the KPCC leadership when the organisational polls is fast approaching will not be proper.
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