Minister rejects plastic-wrapped bouquet; local body chief says he is willing to pay fine

Local Self-Governments Minister M.B. Rajesh kicked up a controversy by rejecting a plastic-wrapped bouquet during a function at Kuthanur on Monday evening.

During the inaugural of a new building of the Kuthanur grama panchayat, the Minister went on to chastise the Kuthanur panchayat officials for giving him the bouquet using banned plastic.

Mr. Rajesh said that the panchayat officials committed a mistake that could invite a fine of ₹10,000.

“We are working to reduce the use of plastic. The bouquet offered to me was covered in banned plastic. A fine of ₹10,000 can be slapped for using the banned plastic. The Local Self-Government department is responsible for implementing the ban. The bouquet is given to the Minister who heads the department,” he said.

Admitting lack of care, Kuthanur panchayat president P.T. Sahadevan agreed that the panchayat would pay the fine. However, Mr. Sahadevan said that the Minister should not have made the criticism in public.

“We maintained the green protocol the best way we could. The bouquet was a mistake on our part, and we are ready to pay the fine. But the Minister could have told me or any other official about the lapse, instead of publicly criticising,” said Mr. Sahadevan.