THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Aishwarya Kerala Yatra of opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala raising the slogan ‘pure and good governance’ turned bitter in the beginning itself. Instead of paying ‘good luck’ to opposition leader, Congress mouthpiece Veekshanam’s multi-coloured supplement published paid condolences to the Yatra ahead of its inauguration. The word condolences were seen printed under the pictures of leaders including Ramesh Chennithala, Mullappally Ramachandran, P K Kunhalikutty, Hyderali Shihab Thangal etc. The management of the daily have come forward with action after criticisms showered on social media.

Indications are that the subversion was noticed after the matter was approved following the final proof of the page. A private company outside does the supplement advertisement on a contract basis. It is believed that while taking the PDF ‘good luck’ was changed to ‘condolences’. The supplement pages were directly sent to the press from there. The management’s explanation is that it was noticed only after the newspaper was printed.

The daily said legal steps have been taken against the private company who did this under the influence of individuals who leak news against Veekshanam. The management said this subversion of the private company who made changes in the matter approved is seen seriously.

Meantime, even when taking action the management and linguists argue that it is not wrong to use the word condolences. They argue that the word can be used to mean a respectful grip. Experts said that it signifies respect. However, the management has asserted that no one has the authority to make such a correction after the final proof and that there is a conspiracy behind it and will proceed with legal action.

The KPCC has sought an explanation from the daily’s management. The response of them was that there was a lack of vigilance. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has expressed severe displeasure over the incident.