THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and KPCC president K Sudhakaran are known to be two arch-rivals in Kerala politics. The duo, who have rarely shared the stage, appeared on the same stage yesterday. The two were seen greeting each other with folded hands during the conference organized by KPCC at Ayyankali Hall to commemorate former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

While the Chief Minister shook hands with other leaders, he greeted Sudhakaran just by folding his hands. Sudhakaran too folded his hands in return. The Chief Minister was seen speaking with VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, but Sudhakran didn't even turn to look at him. Sudhakaran received no attention from the Chief Minister either.

While delivering his speech, K Sudhakaran talked about the mishaps faced by Oommen Chandy. "There is no other leader in the history of Kerala who was hounded by political rivals like Oommen Chandy. Never once did he react badly against those who abused him in such a degrading manner. Oommen Chandy faced the propagandists of hate with love. It is heartening that the truth came out, albeit belatedly," Sudhakaran said.

However, the Chief Minister did not react to Sudhakaran's remarks. Instead, he praised Oommen Chandy's leadership skills. He remembered how Oommen Chandy ignored his illness and lived for the party. While leaving, Chief Minister and Sudhakaran greeted each other. There was a huge crowd at the Ayyankali Hall.