PM speaks to Achuthanandan, expresses regret

New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) In the wake of Keralagovernment''s allegation that Chief Minister V S Achuthanandanwas slighted during Manmohan Singh''s recent visit to thestate, the Prime Minister tonight spoke to him and expressedregrets.

The Prime Minister''s phone call to Achuthanandan cameafter the Kerala assembly passed an unusual resolutionprotesting the alleged slighting of the Chief Minister duringSingh''s 3-day visit from February 10.

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 visit.

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

LDF members alleged that in an insult to the stateas a whole the Chief Minister''s name was also 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.