In the aftermath of his comment against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan came under fire by the Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy, who demanded his resignation.
Inaugurating the Ownership Declaration Convention of the Indian National Plantation Workers’ Federation – INTUC, Mr. Chandy took strong exception to the comment made by Mr. Achuthanandan. “The Chief
Minister’s remarks against Rajiv Gandhi were deplorable. Mr. Gandhi united the nation during testing times. Recovering from his mother’s (former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi) death, he led the country forward towards the 21st Century. Such selfless service should never be forgotten,” he pointed.
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Mr. Chandy said by making such careless remarks, the Chief Minister has rendered himself ineligible for the job. “By making such unnecessary statements, he has undermined his office. He should apologize publicly for this mistake,” he said.
Mr. Chandy also alleged an attempt by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to divert media attention from serious issues, haunting the state. According to him, such controversies are being raked up to mask the failures of the Government.
Speaking at the function, Mr. Chandy pointed out that the State Government has not made attempts to revive the plantation sector. “The sector has been sustaining itself through relief packages sanctioned by the Central Government. The LDF Government has not performed up to its expectations,” he said
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The function was chaired by K.C. Joseph, M.L.A. Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) State President R. Chandrashekaran, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary Lathika Subhash, All India Congress Committee (AICC) members Kurian Joy and V.P. Sajeendran attended the conference.