After a brief period of silence on controversies relating to former Chief Minister R Shankar's statue unveiling ceremony, Kerala CM Oommen Chandy has taken to Facebook to react.
The SNDP which is close to the BJP is set to unveil the statue of former Congress chief minister R Shankar on December 15. Vellapally Natesan, who heads the SNDP, had invited Chandy on December 10, the guest list including Chandy’s name was circulated among the media.
However, earlier last week, Chandy said he withdrew from the event as Natesan, who had invited him, had asked him not to come at the behest of the state BJP unit.
Rajnath Singh categorically denied these allegations and told Parliament on Monday that a socio-cultural organization like SNDP that was organizing the event had the mandate to invite and cancel invites according to its will.
Here are the extracts from Oommen Chandy's extra long emotional post
1. R Shankar was a hardcore Congressman till his death. He was Kerala's pride. I'd consider myself lucky to participate in his statue unveiling ceremony. I was sad when those who invited me later asked me not to. This is not personal. It pains not just me but all Keralites that the Chief Minister's presence -after being invited- is being objected to, that too at an event where the Prime Minister too is in attendance. This is an insult to Kerala
2. This is the first function attended by Narendra Modi after assuming office. Moreover, this is a statue unveiling ceremony of a former Congress Chief Minister, so as per the protocol and as basic courtesy, the Chief Minister of the state should attend the function. Despite these controversies, the PM will be welcomed heartily as per our tradition and culture. By showing him respect, we show our adherence to democracy.
I will go to the airport today to welcome him. Minister KP Mohanan will be the Minister-in Waiting for two days. I along with another minister will go to Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow to see off the PM.
3. Shankar had never compromised with the ideologies of the SNDP. He was someone who had striven hard to uphold the ideologies of Sree Narayana Guru. Then how can it be termed a BJP function?
4. An event organized in a way where everyone can participate would have been the best way to respect a great leader like Shankar.
5. But I am happy that Keralites altogether condemned the move to insult Shankar’s remembrance. I am indeed proud of secular Kerala. Thank you....Thank you all"