Keralam Speaker’s absence from endosulfan victims’ memorial event triggers row

KOTTAYAM Keralam Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan’s absence from the unveiling of a sculpture honouring endosulfan victims in Kasaragod has triggered a row, with the Speaker and the district panchayat offering conflicting accounts of the happenings. The Speaker was scheduled to unveil the 40-foot-tall sculpture, titled ‘Victims,’ created by sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman at the Kasaragod district panchayat office on Friday. However, he skipped the function and attended another programme in the neighbouring Kannur district. His absence drew criticism from artists and public representatives, including Manjeswaram MLA A.K.M.

Ashraf. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mr. 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 explain the circumstances but decided to clarify his position himself as they remained silent.