Booing linked to upcoming elections, landslide survivors not involved: Siddique

Kozhikode: Kalpetta MLA T Siddique on Monday strongly criticised the booing he faced while speaking at the inauguration of Phase I of township for Wayanad landslide survivors on Sunday. He alleged that the disruption was a deliberate move linked to the forthcoming elections and none of the survivors were involved.

Siddique said it was unfortunate that those seated on the dais, and who were expected to intervene and restore order, chose to remain silent. "When I concluded my speech, the survivors applauded and some even gave a standing ovation. Later, several of them met me with tears and said such an incident shouldn't have taken place," he said.

Authorities must reflect on whether a govt function should be allowed as a party platform, he added.

Siddique took exception to revenue minister K Rajan's remarks that they were not the kind of people who would disappear after laying foundation stones, describing the statement as politically loaded and unnecessary.

Meanwhile, BJP Wayanad district president Prasanth Malavayal said booing Siddique was wrong and alleged that a govt programme had been converted into a partisan event.