Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the government directive barring Onam celebrations in government offices during working hours.

“Government officers cannot celebrate Onam during working hours, but the Chief Minister himself will celebrate it at Rashtrapati Bhavan on a working day on one of these days,” Chennithala remarked.

Kerala government is set to host Onam celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan on September 3, in which President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Hamid Ansari are expected to be present.

The Kerala CM, MPs, MLAs and chief secretary will take part in the celebration to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan along with their families during working hours, Chennithala was quoted as saying by Manorama Online. 

Government on Tuesday issued an order instructing that Onam celebrations, including pookkalam (floral carpet) should be conducted post working hours. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier said valuable time must not be wasted in Onam celebrations.