Wasn't allowed to offer tributes at NSS founder's memorial in Kottayam: Bengal Governor

Thiruvananthapuram: West Bengal Governor and retired Malayali IAS officer C V Ananda Bose has lamented that he was not allowed to offer floral tributes at the memorial of social reformer and Nair Service Society (NSS) founder Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai at Perunna in Kottayam district.

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair denied Bose's allegation.

Speaking at a function in Delhi to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai, Bose said that before taking over as the governor he wished to offer floral tributes at the memorial of the founder of NSS that represents the Hindu Nair community.

But, despite being a member of the community, he was denied permission. The community members go to Perunna to offer floral tributes to the social reformer and not to meet the gate keeper, Bose said.

Nair told a section of media that Bose was never denied permission deliberately. Floral tribute at the memorial is not allowed round the clock. There are special timings for it. Otherwise permission would be required, Nair said.

Bose's criticism towards NSS general secretary came close on the heels of Nair reiterating that the NSS would be giving a call for 'equidistant policy' towards political parties in the assembly election.

Nair had also said that the NSS would maintain the 'right distance approach towards political parties on the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple gold heist issue.

Even as there has been considerable drift of Nair votes to the BJP, NSS is yet to take a pro-BJP stand.