Chandy hits out at Vellapally for ‘communal remark’

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Monday hit out at SNDP general secretary Vellapally Natesan, terming his remarks communal and venomous.

“I’m pained at his remarks. We should respect those who lost their lives while rescuing others. That’s why the government decided to extend financial aid to Noushad’s family,” Chandy told reporters at the press conference.

In his controversial remark, Natesan had Sunday alleged that the State government extended financial aid to Noushad who died in Kozhikode the other day while attempting to rescue two workers trapped in a manhole because he was a Muslim.

Natesan, in a sarcastic tone, said he wished to die the death of a Muslim in Kerala.

“Though members of a school handball team died the other day, no one cared for them as they were all Hindus,” he alleged.