Incident that happened in Sivagiri was unfortunate; had to send police as per High Court order, says A K Antony

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran Congress leader AK Antony has come out with a reply to the remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the Legislative Assembly. He began the press conference by stating that although he had left state politics in 2004, he now felt compelled to reply as one-sided criticisms were being made about his tenure as Chief Minister.

"There have been several unilateral criticisms against me, my political activities and my time as the Chief Minister. I first thought of replying after the elections, but now I feel there's no need to delay that much. The LDF, which has been raising allegations about my tenure as Chief Minister for several years, repeated them the other day as well," Antony said.

He recalled that from childhood, he greatly respected Sree Narayana Guru. "While studying at Cherthala High School, I served twice as secretary of the Gurudeva Mahasamithi observance committee. I've always worked with respect in matters related to Guruswamy and had cooperated with Sivagiri affairs during my tenure as Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and later as Union Defence Minister," he said.

Referring to the 1995 Sivagiri incident, he said: “It was unfortunate. The police went to Sivagiri as per the High Court order. Those opposing back then were not willing to withdraw.”

Antony also addressed the Muthanga and Marad incidents. "It was my government that distributed the largest share of land to Adivasis, but still, I faced allegations of burning them alive. I feel deep sorrow over the Muthanga incident. It was a wildlife sanctuary. When Adivasis built huts there, political parties and the media demanded their removal. Later, however, they changed their stance. I acted only after receiving warnings from the central government,” he said.

Antony, who also expressed sorrow about the Marad violence, criticised the LDF government on the Sabarimala issue. “The government is preparing to host a Global Ayyappa Summit at Pampa. But wasn’t it the same government that permitted women’s entry into Sabarimala?” he asked.