Kochi: Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan stated that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has been notified about veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's decision to attend the 'Keraleeyam' programme organised by the LDF government. 

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Satheesan said that KPCC President K. Sudhakaran even asked the veteran Congress leader not to attend the event. Nonetheless, Aiyar attended the event, much to the displeasure of the state leadership. 

Satheesan revealed that the AICC had told them not to comment on Aiyar's decision. Meanwhile, Aiyar took part in a seminar and showered praises on Kerala's achievements in the area of decentralisation.

The former Union Minister for Panchayat Raj said he was happy to hear from the Additional Chief Secretary that the principal focus of the Panchayat Raj in Kerala is already and will continue to be the removal of extreme poverty.

The Congress-led UDF opposition had earlier announced the boycott of the Kerala government's 'Keraleeyam' event, saying it was an extravagance at a time when the state was reeling under acute financial crisis.