However, the event soon turned controversial as the programme was held flouting the restrictions the state government has brought in to counter the new Covid wave. Congress state chief K Sudhakaran said the CPM was celebrating the death of Dheeraj by organising thiruvathira. On the question of the norms being flouted in party meetings, Veena’s answer was that the Covid restrictions were to be followed by all. Later in the day, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan remarked that the performance should have been avoided. District panchayat member V R Salooja, who is also the health standing committee member, and 550 women thiruvathira performers were booked under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Source: Indian Express January 13, 2022 12:52 UTC