Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan’s absence from the annual conclave of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2010 in the capital left many among the influential Malayalam speaking diaspora wondering.
The state’s Industry Minister Elamaram Kareem was the official face and was hardpressed to give a satisfactory explanation why the chief minister was missing. Sources in the Kerala goverment say he was asked to keep out as he is not seen by the influential diaspora as an investment-friendly face.
“He is embarrassed about facing us as he failed to fulfil his promises,” exclaimed an influential delegate. However, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, who also hails from Kerala, stepped in to clear the air.
Two years ago, Achuthanandan had reportedly assured Gulf returnees of maximum assistance but that remained just on paper. Most of the nearly five million Malayali diaspora are located in the Gulf.
