Speaker pulls up minister over `liquor` remark

Kerala Assembly Speaker K Radhakrishnan expressed strong reservation over the controversial remark of state Health Minister PK Sreemathi that there were even instances of MLAs coming to the house having taken drinks.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Assembly Speaker
K Radhakrishnan on Sunday expressed strong reservation over the
controversial remark of state Health Minister PK Sreemathi
that there were even instances of MLAs coming to the house
having taken drinks.

"The minister herself has stated that it was due to her
misunderstanding that she said that. Still, my stand is that
she should not have made such a comment. This is my position
on the issue as the Speaker", Radhakrishnan told reporters
here.

Sreemathi had made the comment during a meeting at Kannur
last week, sparking protests from various quarters.

Last night she withdrew the statement holding that it was
due to her misunderstanding that she made such a remark.

PTI