Idukki (Kerala): Justifying his "go ask that at home" remark, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that there is a specific decorum to be maintained at public meetings, and if that decorum is breached, the reaction will naturally follow suit.

"Normally, there are certain etiquettes to be followed in every matter. If those are not observed, the response will naturally reflect that. The people there weren't necessarily there to oppose the LDF. However, at certain points, there are individuals who get particularly 'excited’. Excitement can manifest in many ways, and the question was asked as part of that excitement," the CM said.

"A public meeting is not a press conference. Would any of you sit in the front of a public meeting and start asking questions? If you do, the reply you receive will be of the same nature. Isn't that natural? Public meetings have their own rules of conduct. Let the person speak; those who don't like it don't have to listen—they can leave. It's enough that those who are interested listen," the Chief Minister added.
 

Background and political rebuttal

The Chief Minister provided this explanation during a press conference held in Idukki as part of the LDF election campaign, addressing the controversial remark made the other day in Konni. He also responded to K C Venugopal, who had alleged that the CM had "lost his balance”.

Vijayan retorted that he had no reason to lose his mental balance and that the public could clearly see who was actually losing theirs. He added sarcastically that if K C Venugopal felt that public decorum need not be maintained, then "good for him”.

The incident

The controversy erupted during an LDF election convention in Konni. While the Chief Minister was delivering his speech, a member of the audience attempted to ask a question. The Chief Minister responded by saying, "Go and ask that at home."

It was later identified that the individual who attempted to speak was Das P George, a resident of Attachakkal in Konni. He stated that he had intended to ask the Chief Minister about development. Interestingly, Das P George was reportedly unaware of the social media storm that followed the remark.