Uma Thomas slams minister, event organisers for apathy

Kochi: Uma Thomas MLA, who sustained serious injuries after she fell from the temporary stage set up for a mega dance event held at Kaloor Stadium on Dec 29, criticized the organisers of the event and minister Saji Cherian .

In a TV channel interview, Thomas said the stage set up for the inauguration of the dance programme was very poorly done, like children were making mud pies. She also sharply criticised cultural minister Saji Cherian, who was present on the stage at the time of the accident, and actor Divya Unni , who led the dance event.

Thomas stated that even after she fell and suffered serious injuries, the minister continued with the event and his approach made her question "his culture".

"After the fall, many returned to their seats as if nothing happened. No one, including the minister, was willing to check how the incident happened. The stage was constructed carelessly. It was built over the barricades. Interestingly, the probe team gave a clean chit to GCDA and the police. Now only the organisers are blamed for what happened. Contracts should be reviewed and action should be taken against all those responsible," Thomas said in the interview.

She also criticized actor Divya Unni for not reaching out sooner. "An apology was expected from her. Celebrities like her should not forget their social responsibilities," Thomas added.

Thomas suffered serious injuries after she fell from the makeshift stage and hit her head on a concrete slab. She was hospitalised for more than 40 days.