'What is wrong with mentioning my father's name?' Chief Minister responds to 'Menon' controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V D Satheesan has responded to the controversy surrounding the use of the surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony. Rejecting the allegations, the Chief Minister said there was nothing unusual about mentioning his father’s name and that he had only read out his full official name during the oath-taking ceremony.

Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram after the cabinet meeting, Satheesan said, “What is wrong with mentioning my father’s name? That is my father’s name. I also wanted to mention my mother’s name. I only read out the full names of my parents exactly as they appear in official records. Both of them had passed away even before I became an MLA.”

He added that he wished he had also been able to mention his mother’s name and said he felt sad that he did not get the opportunity to do so. Satheesan also said he was proud to mention the names of his parents.

The Chief Minister also dismissed allegations of internal disputes within the UDF over the allocation of ministerial portfolios. He said all discussions related to portfolio distribution had been completed on the night of the swearing-in ceremony itself.

Satheesan explained that there was a delay because Governor Rajendra Arlekar was away in Thrissur. He said the government came to know about the Governor’s absence only later. According to the Chief Minister, the final list of ministers and their departments was submitted to the Governor this morning after he returned to Thiruvananthapuram late at night.