Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): The Kerala Assembly having adopted a resolution that PM Man Mohan Singh had ignored V.S.Achutanandan during the former’s visit to Kerala last week, Singh realized his mistake and has telephoned from Delhi Kerala CM expressing his regret on the happening during official functions in Thiruvananthapuram. PM was on Kerala visit from Feb.10-12.
The state criticised the PM that Kerala CM and some members of his Cabinet (LDF) were not treated well by PM during his Kerala trip.
CM Achuthanandan was not allowed to stay in Kochi Taj Hotel, where PM had stayed on Feb10., was the main grievance. The CM stayed in a state guest house room, consequently in hurt conditions.
Next day (Feb11) an international airport terminal was inaugurated by PM at Kochi. On the rock inscription, the CM’s name was missing while dedicating the air terminal to the nation. When the Kochi International Trans-shipment Terminal (for cargo) was advertised, the CM again was forgotten but Central ministers from Kerala were shown. The Vallarpadam Terminal was opened by PM on Feb11.
This neglect of State CM in the Central Scheme of things rubbed salt into the wounds suffered by CPI(M) CM at the hands of a Congress PM, in his own state. The step-motherly treatment by ruling Congress in UPA Govt at the Centre against state CPI(M) continued, when PM paid a visit to Brahmos Aerospace Defence Unit, where local industries minister E.Kareem and Civil Supplies Minister C.Diwakaran were refused entry to the function.
Obviously, the Kerala Govt. was angry with PM and his minion. A resolution was passed in the state assembly this week amidst noisy scenes. The state Congress tried to justify PM’s conduct, with Ramesh Chennithala (Kerala Congress Chief) accusing CPI(M) of wasting time on insignificant matters. The opposition members walked out, before the resolution was put to vote. History was created when PM was condemned for his pride. The resolution was passed on Monday (Feb14). Same night Pm was on the phone expressing regrets to Kerala CM, govt. sources stated here, swallowing bitter feelings on party lines.