Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120452050300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

UDF: VS committed breach of privilege

Special Correspondent

Opposition to raise the issue in Assembly

Says VS proved himself unqualified to hold office
Leaves it to CPI(M) to take appropriate decision

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders on Wednesday demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan over his controversial remarks relating to slain National Security Guards commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan’s family and accused him of committing breach of privilege by claiming that he had expressed regrets during his reference in the Assembly.

Addressing a press conference here in the evening, Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy, Kerala Congress(M) leader K.M. Mani, Indian Union Muslim League leader C.T. Ahmed Ali, and Janadhipathya Samrakshana Samithy leader K.K. Shaju questioned the Chief Minister’s claim at a press conference earlier in the day that he had regretted his remarks on the floor of the House. Mr. Chandy said the Chief Minister was misrepresenting facts by making such a claim and this amounted to breach of privilege.

Asserting that the Opposition did not want to continue the current controversy as per the wishes of the bereaved family, Mr. Chandy said the Chief Minister’s expression of regret at a press conference soon after his Assembly reference could only be termed as a late reaction. He had in his Assembly speech made allegations against the Opposition and the media and even went to the extent of disowning his party leadership. He had expressed regrets only because of all-round pressure, instead of utilising the opportunity on the floor of the Assembly to express unconditional apology.

The Opposition leaders said they proposed to raise the issue of breach of privilege in the House on Thursday. The Chief Minister clung to his false prestige instead of positively responding to the matter. “We feel that the Chief Minister, through this episode, has proved himself unqualified to continue in office. It is left to the CPI(M) leadership to take an appropriate decision,” he said.

Mr. Mani asserted that the Chief Minister should have offered an unconditional apology. He alleged that the Chief Minister was inconsistent and lacked sensitivity. His statement had brought disrepute to the people of the State and the language he used was not good.

The Opposition leaders pointed out to the Chief Minister’s habit of making outrageous references, whether it related to his Ministers or others.

Asked why the Chief Minister’s statement could not be viewed as local Malayalam usage, Mr. Chandy said Mr. Achuthanandan should first convince his party general secretary.