Assembly passes resolution against Centre''s neglect

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14 (PTI) Amid a walkout byCongress-led UDF Opposition, the Kerala Assembly today passeda resolution alleging that Chief Minister V S Achuthanandanwas ignored during the recent visit of Prime Minister ManmohanSingh to the state.

The resolution moved by Law Minister M Vijayakumarafter nearly hour-long heated exchanges between the ruling LDFand Opposition members also decided to apprise the Centre ofthe state''s resentment on the matter.

The matter raised by Anathalavattom Anandan (CPIM)through a submission virtually turned into a debate withAchuthanandan and some of his cabinet colleagues narratingtheir experiences during the Prime Minister''s February 10-12visit.

Achuthanandan said he was not allowed a room at theTaj hotel at Kochi where Singh stayed overnight on arrival onFebruary 10.

LDF members alleged that it was an insult to the stateas a whole, as the Chief Minister''s name was not inscribed onthe plaque which was unveiled by Singh at the inauguration ofthe International terminal at the airport here.

They also said the media advertisement for theinauguration of Vallarpadam transhipment terminal did nothave the Chief Minister''s picture.

Opposition leader Oommen Chandy said it was veryunfortunate that LDF was converting the Prime Minister''s visitinto a controversy by raking up issues like this and walkedout of the House with UDF members.

Ministers Elamaram Kareem and C Divakaran alsonarrated their experience when they went to the BrahMosAerospace here as state''s representatives during Singh visitto the unit.

The grievance in this regard had been voiced byAchuthanandan in the presence of Singh at the airport functionon February 12. He had also stated that the state governmenthad been neglected, but it did not take it seriously asrealisation of the projects was more important.