Keralam Speaker’s absence from endosulfan victims’ memorial event triggers row

Kerala's Legislative Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan's absence from the unveiling of a sculpture dedicated to endosulfan victims in Kasaragod has sparked controversy. The Speaker, who was to unveil the 40-foot-tall sculpture titled 'Victims' by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman at the Kasaragod district panchayat office, failed to attend the function. He had scheduled to attend the event on Friday but instead chose to participate in another program in the neighboring Kannur district.

Upon his absence, Radhakrishnan explained that he had canceled his ticket due to a lack of communication from the organizers. He later booked another ticket and attended a program in Kannur. However, the Kasaragod district panchayat president, Sabu Abraham, contested Radhakrishnan's version of events. Abraham claimed that he had been informed about the event through proper channels and that the organizers had made every effort to ensure Radhakrishnan's participation.

He stated that the invitation was initially extended by the Uduma MLA, K. Neelakandan, who met Radhakrishnan during the Assembly session and arranged a date for the program. The district panchayat then sent an official letter to Radhakrishnan's office, which was followed by a detailed schedule and formal communication the week of November 6.

Abraham also called Radhakrishnan on the night of November 11 and the next morning to discuss travel arrangements. Despite Abraham's efforts, Radhakrishnan still decided not to attend the event.