Kochi, Monday 10 May 2010: Kerala Congress (B) leader R Balakrishna Pillai today defended his Punjab model speech, which had resulted in his resignation long back. He accused K Karunakaran and KM Mani of making him a scapegoat in the case.

Speaking to media, Balakrishna Pillai pointed out that Joseph had refused to be part of UDF, when circumstances demanded so. Jospeh should have supported the UPA when Manmohan Singh ministry was facing challenge in the name of nuke deal.

But that did not happen. Clarifying that KC (B) is not against merger of KC(M) and KC(J), Balakrishna Pillai demanded that the matter should be discussed within UDF. He also added that Mani should be willing to face the consequences of the merger alone. “ We are not against merger. Merger is an internal issue. We can’t do anything even if Mani decides to merge with Pinarayi Vijayan” - said Balakrishna Pillai.

When queried about unified Kerala Congress, Balakrishna Pillai stated that even though the concept was put forward by leaders including him, it attained natural death once Jose K Mani was fielded in the elections. Balakrishna Pillai categorically stated that PJ Joseph cannot be accepted as UDF candidate in the next assembly elections.