Cong. slams removal of plaque from children’s park in Payyambalam

The Congress party has strongly criticised the removal of a stone plaque commemorating the 2015 inauguration of a children’s park and sea walkway in Payyambalam by the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, calling it an act of disrespect and political opportunism.

The stone plaque, originally installed after the project’s inauguration on May 15, 2015, was reportedly removed and replaced with a new one naming current Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas as the inaugurator. The removed plaque, which bore Mr. Chandy’s name, was allegedly found discarded in a dustbin with a broom placed over it.

District Congress Committee President Martin George condemned the move, calling it “the worst mistake,” and demanded an immediate inquiry to determine who ordered the removal.

He pointed out that several tourism projects were undertaken in Kannur during Chandy’s tenure as Chief Minister and A.P. Anilkumar’s term as Tourism Minister, and accused the current government of trying to appropriate past achievements.

Congress workers have since retrieved and placed the original plaque at the park’s entrance. The party warned that if it is removed again, it will be reinstated. Mr. George also said the move amounted to insulting a former Chief Minister and undermining the democratic tradition of preserving public memory.