P&T apartment residents demand unconditional apology from Maxy over ‘volte-face’ remark

Former Kochi MLA K.J. Maxy and residents of the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli remain at odds over his controversial comments on the alleged volte-face of residents following a change in government. Maxy's remarks, made on September 27, suggested that families affected by the sagging and leaking apartments were aware of attempts by the previous LDF government to address their issues but had changed their stance when the government changed.

This sparked strong reactions from the P&T Apartment Owners Association, which called for an unconditional apology from Maxy. The district leadership of the CPI(M) later issued a statement reaffirming their solidarity with the families, while some residents, particularly women, challenged Maxy to live in the apartments themselves.

Maxy expressed willingness to recant his statement if it had caused harm to the affected families, emphasizing the need for demolition and a probe into any discrepancies. However, he maintained that an unconditional apology was unnecessary. The P&T Apartment Owners Association president, Abhilash P. Parameswaran, criticized Maxy's remarks, stating they targeted the poorest while ignoring corruption and mismanagement.

Parameswaran threatened a protest march to Maxy's residence if an apology was not forthcoming. Kochi MLA Mohammed Shiyas has also backed the demolition of the apartments, citing their irreparable condition. A probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is reportedly imminent.