CM shuns media ahead of peace talks

Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of crucial peace talks between the BJP-RSS leadership and the CPI-M to stem the violence here that led to a murder of an RSS worker, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday peremptorily asked the media to leave the venue.

The meeting was being held at the state-owned Mascot Hotel here.

The first to arrive at the hotel was state Bharatiya Janata Party President Kummanam Rajasekharan along with his team. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief P. Gopalan Kutty was also with him.

Vijayan along with his party state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan arrived at the hotel as the news television crew were recording visuals there.

Vijyan first directed his ire towards the manager of the hotel and then while waiting at the entrance of the hall, he asked the media to get out.

He was heard saying it a few times.

Vijayan entered the hall only after all the media personnel had exited.

This meeting was taking place after Vijayan was summoned by Governor P. Sathasivam.

Vijayan on Sunday promised that action would be taken against law-breakers irrespective of their status and political affiliation.

The Governor on Sunday in a tweet quoted Vijayan as saying that he would meet both state BJP President Rajasekharan and the state RSS chief and also make a public appeal for peace.

E. Rajesh, 34, an RSS "Karyavahak" at Sreekariyam, was hacked here on Saturday night. He died at a private hospital.