VS Achuthanandan's picture removed; controversy after change of administration in Parassala block panchayat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The picture of former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan was removed following the change of administration. The picture of Achuthanandan installed at the block panchayat office in Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram was removed. While the LDF alleges that the picture was deliberately removed after the change of government, the new governing body has clarified that it will investigate the incident.

The UDF had won 12 out of 15 seats in the last local body elections and had seized power in the block panchayat. The picture of VS has now been removed from the hall built during the LDF regime. The incident took place at the structure that was named 'V.S. Memorial Hall' during the LDF regime. The LDF has criticised that there is a move to reduce the importance of the hall after the UDF came to power.

LDF workers also took to the stage to show footage that VS's picture was in the hall when Usha Kumari was sworn in as the new president. However, the picture is absent in the group photos taken by the members after the ceremony. LDF says that the picture was removed by Youth Congress workers.

However, President Usha Kumari's stance is that she is not aware of the removal of the picture. She also clarified that an investigation will be conducted into how the picture that was there during the oath-taking ceremony disappeared. The LDF local leadership has decided to intensify the protest over the incident. The LDF local leadership also pointed out that this is disrespectful to the former Chief Minister.