Antony inaugurates CPI-M backed TV channel's new building

Thiruvananthapuram, March 5 : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Friday inaugurated the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) backed TV channel Kairali's new multi-storeyed office complex here.

While Antony inaugurated Kairali Towers, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat opened the Kairali Studio complex.

A virtual Who's Who of Kerala politics, including Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy, CPI-M state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan, all cabinet ministers and top leaders of political parties attended the function.

Located in the heart of the city, the twin towers boast of five state of the art studio complexes and large areas of office space.

Kairali's chairman, Malayalam superstar Mammootty said: "I take this opportunity to thank nearly 2.50 lakh shareholders who have remained with us all these years. We also announced a dividend for the first time last year."

Antony said he is happy to be a part of the function.

"Look at the guests sitting on the stage. Where else except in Kerala can you find political leaders carrying diverse opinions coming together. This can happen only here," said Antony.

Chandy struck a lighter note when he said new Kairali building could be an impetus to Congress-backed Jai Hind TV channel to have its own office.

"Jai Hind channel does not have an office of its own. Now we hope Jai Hind can have an office of its own, maybe it will not be this imposing," said Chandy.

The CPI-M-led ruling Left Democratic Front is locked in a bitter electoral battle with the Congress-led United Democratic Front to hold on to power in next year's assembly elections. The Left front received a drumming in the Lok Sabha elections last year.