Go-by to Governor P Sathasivam, ex-CMs at bash triggers debate

Thiruvananthapuram: Even as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tried to explain the reasons for not inviting Governor P. Sathasivam to the inauguration of the 60th anniversary celebrations of Kerala formation day, the absence of former chief ministers A.K. Antony, V.S. Achuthanandan and Oommen Chandy has kicked off another controversy. While over 60 eminent persons from various walks of life, including former ministers and speakers, were invited to the dais at the grand inaugural ceremony titled 'Vajra Keralam' on the legislative complex premises, the former chief ministers were conspicuous by their absence.

Lack of proper invitation was learnt to be the reason. The issue also invited criticisms from various quarters. The chief minister opened his inaugural address by stating that the Governor could not be invited to the function owing to the protocol issues.  “At functions attended by the Governor there are protocol restrictions on the number of persons who could be accommodated on the dais. But here we have planned the programme with over 60 eminent persons on the dais to light lamps. Hence,  we collectively  decided not to invitethe Governor to this event. The matter was discussed with the Opposition also. But the Governor will be invited to another event in connection with the year-long anniversary celebrations," he said.

Meanwhile, sources said that no formal invitations were sent to Mr  Antony, Mr Achuthanandan and Mr Oommen Chandy to the function. Sources close to Mr. Antony said that though the chief minister invited him over phone, the latter's name was not included in the programme notice and hence he did not turn up for the event though he was in Thiruvananthapuram. Mr. Chandy said that Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who was the reception committee chairman of the event, had asked him on Tuesday morning whether he could attend the event.

“Since they had already fixed the programmes, I did not want to upset the schedule and hence declined the invite stating that I will speak  on Kerala formation's 60th anniversary in the Assembly,” Mr. Chandy told DC. Mr. Achuthanandan’s name was also not included in the notice. KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran said that the government had shown disrespect to the former chief ministers. He also kept off the event in protest.