PATHANAMTHITTA: Controversy is intensifying regarding the fact that no one from the state cabinet came to pay the last respects to the late Justice Fathima Beevi. Pathanamthitta Town Jamaat Committee and Municipal Mahal Committee had earlier criticised that even Minister Veena George, the local MLA, did not attend the funeral of the late judge. The Chief Minister responded that the Jamaat was criticising the government by keeping other thoughts in mind. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, office-bearers of Pathanamthitta Muslim Jamaat said they did not expect such an approach from the state government.

"The Chief Minister said that the minister did not attend the funeral as they could not stay away from the Nava Kerala Sabha. However, various ministers had left the Nava Kerala Sadas to attend other functions and funerals. Union ministers also did not attend the funeral. Although their stand was painful, it was not unexpected. However, the secular society did not expect such an approach from the state government. We were shocked by the CM's words. It has caused pain to the community members. The Chief Minister questioned the community's intention to defend his own minister," Jamaat president H Shahjahan said. Jamaat had given public support to Veena George in the last assembly elections.