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

Keralam Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan

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. “It was a very unfortunate incident. I have nothing more to say,” he added.

Panchayat version

However, Kasaragod district panchayat president Sabu Abraham disputed the Speaker’s account, maintaining that he had been informed about the event through proper channels and that the organisers had made every effort to secure his participation. Mr. Abraham said the invitation was initially extended through Uduma MLA K. Neelakandan, who had met the Speaker during the Assembly session and obtained a date for the programme. The district panchayat subsequently sent an official letter to the Speaker’s office. After the programme was finalised at a board meeting on November 6, the organisers sent the detailed schedule and a formal communication to the Speaker, he said.

Mr. Abraham said he had personally telephoned the Speaker on the night of November 11 and requested him to attend the event. He also contacted the Speaker’s private secretary the following morning to enquire about his travel arrangements. “The private secretary advised me to contact the Speaker directly, following which I called him and explained the arrangements. During the conversation, the Speaker mentioned certain confusion and also referred to the MLA not answering his phone,” he said.

He said he had assured the Speaker that all arrangements were in place and urged him to attend, pointing out that the occasion marked an important milestone in the career of Mr. Kunhiraman.Mr. Abraham said he had also contacted Mr. Neelakandan the following morning and asked him to speak to the Speaker to ensure his participation.

Published - November 14, 2026 10:37 pm IST