Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has ditched the spectacles he had been using for years. When asked about his new look during a press conference, he replied, "Following my cataract surgery, I am able to read without glasses. The doctor said I no longer need to wear them. However, some people have advised me not to ditch them entirely since I used to wear them regularly."

As the Leader of the Opposition has not yet been allocated an official residence, he convened the press conference at the CPM headquarters, the AKG Centre. Although the former Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, has assumed office as the Chief Minister, he has not yet vacated Cantonment House. Furthermore, he has not shifted his residence to Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister.

"I do not know when the Chief Minister will vacate Cantonment House. Perhaps the renovation work at Cliff House is not yet complete. Even after Cantonment House is vacated, there might be some maintenance work required there as well," Pinarayi said.

When asked if Cliff House required that much maintenance, Pinarayi responded, "Such things are expected; that is the condition of all these buildings. You (journalists) also play a part in these not being maintained properly. If maintenance is carried out, it is often interpreted as ministers doing it for their personal preferences. Consequently, everyone hesitates to undertake renovation work."