P&T apartment residents demand unconditional apology from Maxy over ‘volte-face’ remark

Former Kochi MLA K.J. Maxy and the residents of the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli continue to be on a collision course over the former’s now controversial remarks on the alleged volte-face by residents following the change of government.

While commenting on Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s statement that the sagging and leaking apartments would have to be demolished, Mr. Maxy on Sunday (September 27) remarked that the affected families were aware of the attempts made by the former LDF government to address their woes, but had done a volte-face when the government changed.

The P&T Apartment Owners Association took strong exception to the statement, following which the district leadership of the CPI(M), issued a statement later in the day reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the families. Residents, especially women, were vocal in their protest against Mr. Maxy’s statement that repairs, rather than demolition, would suffice, with some even challenging him to come and live in the apartments.

Talking to The Hindu on Monday (September 28), Mr. Maxy said that he was willing to recant his earlier statement if it had hurt the affected families. “I am firmly on the side of the affected families, who should be protected by the State government. The structures should be demolished if an expert assessment recommends it. A probe should be carried out and action taken if any discrepancies are found,” he said. However, the former legislator said there was no need for an ‘unconditional apology.

But the families would settle for nothing less. “Mr. Maxy’s statement targeting the poorest of the poor while ignoring the corruption and mismanagement that led to their subhuman living conditions warrants an unconditional apology. If he is not willing to tender one, then his party, the CPI(M), should do so on his behalf. If Mr. Maxy remains adamant, then he should quit public service. We will stage strong protests until we receive the unconditional apology that is due to us,” said Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of the P&T Apartment Owners Association. He also threatened a protest march to Mr. Maxy’s residence.

Mohammed Shiyas, Kochi MLA, has reaffirmed that the apartments should be demolished as they are beyond redemption. He said that a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau would be announced shortly.

The Hindu had recently highlighted the sorry state of the apartments and the plight of the families residing there.