Kochi: MP Hibi Eden and MLA PT Thomas alleged that Chief Secretary Dr Vishwas Mehta violated protocol during the Chambakkara bridge inauguration ceremony. 

Speaking to mathrubhumi.com, MLA PT Thomas alleged that the Chief Secretary skipped the names of the MLA, MP and Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain during his welcome speech.

“As per the protocol, MP and MLA are above the Chief Secretary. Though our names were printed on the notice, the Chief Secretary did not mention our names in his welcome speech. When minister Saseendran invited the Mayor to address the event, he blocked her claiming that the event was over. Following this, I and MP Hibi Eden expressed our dissent on the stage itself,” revealed PT Thomas.

“I remained calm until the end of the programme. When I addressed the event, my voice was not audible to the audience. They told me that there are some technical issues. I suspect they had switched off the mike. We have been facing similar negligence for a while now and it continued in today's event,” said PT Thomas. I will file a complaint with the Speaker on behalf of the 140 MLAs in Kerala, he added. 

MP Hibi Eden also informed that he will forward a complaint to the Lok Sabha Speaker over the issue.

"I suspect if the Chief Secretary neglected the Congress MLA and MP to impress the Chief Minister," PT Thomas said and demanded the Chief Minister’s stance on the issue.

Meanwhile, MP Hibi Eden alleged that the Chief Secretary and KMRL MD have been neglecting public representatives including him during programmes related to Kochi Metro and Smart City.

“The decision to construct Chambakkara bridge was taken during the UDF reign. The Chief Secretary has committed a serious protocol violation by neglecting the Mayor, who is entitled to welcome even the President,” added MP Hibi Eden.