VS not sorry, CPM regrets remarks

Even as the CPIM got into damage control mode today, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan refused to bow down or apologise...

Even as the CPIM got into damage control mode on Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan refused to bow down or apologise to the family of slain NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

In a rare step, CPIM general secretary Prakash Karat issued a statement, saying that 8220;certain remarks made by V S Achuthanandan are regrettable.8221; Snubbed by Unnikrishnan8217;s father, the Kerala CM had said on Tuesday that 8220;even a dog would not have glanced at that house had it not been Sandeep8217;s residence8221;.

Karat, who is campaigning for the Assembly polls in Rajasthan, got in touch with Achuthanandan this morning and sought to know what had provoked his extreme reaction. Achuthanandan explained he had no other intention but to condole with Unnikrishnan8217;s family.

But while Karat later issued a statement expressing regret over the comments, Achuthanandan refused to offer any apology. Speaking in Hyderabad, he said he would not retract his comment on Unnikrishnan8217;s family, adding that the NSG hero8217;s father behaved in a rude manner.

Meanwhile, Achuthanandan8217;s remarks evoked sharp reactions and protests from across the political spectrum. Congress and BJP activists took to the streets in Kerala and burned the Chief Minister8217;s effigy.

Speaking to The Indian Express, senior Congress leader Vayalar Ravi said: 8220;What happened in Bangalore and then in Thiruvananthapuram is unfortunate. This should not have happened, especially in the backdrop of the martyrdom of a soldier.8221;

Raising the issue in the Assembly, Congress MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan moved a notice for an adjournment motion. The Opposition MLA said Achuthanandan has insulted the officer8217;s family. As the CM was not present in the House, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan made a submission that the notice be considered in his presence. The Speaker postponed the notice for the next day.