In an apparent reply to former Minister and Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader G. Sudhakara’s remarks that the construction of the Kunchan Nambiar Memorial at Ambalappuzha was not carried out properly and was being left to ruin, H. Salam, MLA, on Saturday said that the statements were aimed at insulting the State government, Kunchan Nambiar Memorial Committee and people’s representatives.

In a social media post, Mr. Salam noted that the memorial, which comes under the Department of Culture, was constructed by the Public Works department. “Both as a people’s representative and as part of the memorial committee, I have personally undertaken responsibility for the construction of the memorial. If anyone has objections regarding the construction of the auditorium, instead of making baseless and misleading statements, they should file a complaint with the appropriate legal bodies, such as vigilance, and seek an investigation,” Mr. Salam said.

He said that even when unnecessary remarks were made about him, his silence should not be “mistaken for a lack of language or inability to respond. It is because people like me still hold on to a sense of respect,” Mr. Salam said.

The Ambalappuzha MLA said there were reports claiming that the plaque inaugurated by Mr. Sudhakaran was missing and that the foundation stone for the second phase was laid incorrectly. “Why are such lies being spread, and for whose benefit? It was Mr. Sudhakaran who inaugurated the first phase of construction utilising ₹1.5 crore on February 14, 2021. This is clearly mentioned on the plaque installed there. On October 16, 2022, technical sanction for another ₹3 crore was granted. After the new committee took charge and the tendering process was completed, auditorium construction was launched on May 5, 2023,” Mr. Salam said.

He said that every aspect of the auditorium’s construction was carried out through discussions within the memorial committee, with the construction subcommittee overseeing the process. Mr. Salam said the construction of an Oottupura, part of the centre, would also be completed in the coming months at a cost of ₹2 crore.