Speaker says lack of communication led to cancellation of Kasaragod visit for sculpture unveiling

Kottayam (Keralam): Keralam Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Saturday said he cancelled his visit to Kasaragod to inaugurate a sculpture dedicated to victims of the endosulfan tragedy due to a lack of communication from the organisers.

The Speaker was scheduled to unveil the 40-metre-tall sculpture titled 'Victim', created by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, at the Kasaragod District Panchayat on Friday.

However, Radhakrishnan did not attend the function and instead participated in another programme in neighbouring Kannur district.

His absence drew criticism from artists and public representatives, including Manjeshwar MLA A K M Ashraf.

Speaking to reporters, Radhakrishnan said he had waited until the last minute for proper communication from the organisers before cancelling his ticket.

"As there was no communication from the organisers, I cancelled the ticket. Later, I booked another ticket and went to Kannur," he said.

He said he had expected the organisers to provide an explanation but decided to clarify the circumstances himself as they remained silent.

"It was a very unfortunate incident. I have nothing more to say," he added.

Meanwhile, District Panchayat president Sabu Abraham told reporters that Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan had been informed about the event through the proper channels and that the organisers had made every effort to ensure his participation.

Abraham said the invitation was initially extended through Uduma MLA K Neelakandan, who had met the Speaker during the Assembly session and obtained a date for the programme.

The District Panchayat subsequently sent an official letter to the Speaker's office.

After the programme was finalised at a board meeting on the 6th, the organisers sent the detailed programme and a formal communication to the Speaker, he said.

Abraham said he had personally telephoned the Speaker on the night of November 11 and requested him to attend the event.

He also contacted the Speaker's private secretary the next morning to enquire about his travel arrangements.

"The private secretary advised me to contact the Speaker directly, following which I called him and explained the arrangements. During the conversation, the Speaker mentioned certain confusion and also referred to the MLA not answering his phone," Abraham said.

He said he had informed the Speaker that all arrangements were complete and urged him to attend, noting that the occasion marked an important milestone in the career of renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.

Abraham said he had also contacted Neelakandan the following morning and asked him to speak to the Speaker to ensure his participation.

He maintained that the District Panchayat had followed the proper procedures and communicated all details to the Speaker's office.

(This story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)