Pathanamthitta/Idukki (Kerala), March 24 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday defended his sharp remark towards a CPI(M) worker, who attempted to ask him a question at a public event, saying such responses would arise if common decency is not maintained.
Vijayan had on Monday said, "go and ask at home" when a CPI(M) worker, Das P George, attempted to ask him a question while he was speaking at a public event in Konni in the Pathanamthitta district.
Responding to questions about this on Tuesday at a press meet in Idukki, the CM said that certain common decencies must be maintained at public events, and if they are not followed, such responses would arise.
"A public event is different from a press conference, and you cannot ask questions in the middle of it. That is not permitted at public events," he said.
Vijayan also clarified that he was not saying that anyone came to the event to oppose him or the LDF.
"Sometimes, party workers become excited to varying degrees," he said.
He also said that he was aware of the party worker's response to the issue.
The party worker, George, told a TV channel during the day that he had made a mistake by attempting to ask a question when the CM was speaking.
He said he was not hurt by the CM's reaction, as he should not have attempted to ask that question.
George said that he only wanted to ask the CM how the government would carry out development activities after it comes to power for a third time, since the Centre has blocked funds meant for KIIFB.
"It was wrong on my part. I should not have interrupted his speech. He (the CM) must have felt that I disturbed his speech, and that is why he reacted like that," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal said that Vijayan's remark on the previous day indicates that the CM, "sensing defeat in the upcoming assembly polls, has lost his mental equilibrium."
