"Can't even keep glass of water open as civet's urine will fall on it": CM Vijayan on pathetic state of Cliff House

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: People usually believe that the official residences of ministers have state-of-the-art facilities. However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says that it's not the case. During an event to lay the foundation stone of the Officers Enclave for IAS officers of the Kerala cadre at Akkulam, the minister said that if a glass of water is kept open in his bedroom in Cliff House, the urine of palm civet will fall on it.

"People usually think that ministers live with great facilities. What is the condition of some of the houses where those ministers live? Think of ironing a shirt to put on in the morning. After a while, it will be wet. How did water fall on it? It's the urine of a palm civet. Even a glass of water should not be left open for fear of the civet's urine falling on it. Therefore, it is not a waste to spend the necessary money when constructing buildings with adequate facilities. Kerala is unique in raising unnecessary controversies. Let the controversies happen, the important thing is that the necessary things need to happen. What is the current status of popular guest houses? It is our need to protect buildings," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister mentioned the condition of the guest houses while the Public Works Minister PA Mohammad Riyas was on the stage. During his speech, Chief Secretary Dr V Venu enumerated the difficulties faced in Veli due to accommodation when he was appointed as sub-collector. Revenue Secretary A Jayathilak, Planning Secretary Puneeth Kumar and Public Works Department Chief Engineer L Beena spoke.