Rival Kerala MPs trade charges at meet on resolution over PM's visit

The meeting of MPs from the state called by the government on the eve of the budget session of parliament today witnessed a  wordy duel between some of the UDF and LDF MPs over the resolution passed by the state asssembly protesting the "neglect" faced by the government during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Kerala last week.
 
The issue was raised by Congress Lok Sabha member from Idukki P T Thomas, who took strong objections to some "adverse" remarks made by a CPI-M MLA during the debate that preceded the adoption of the resolution by the house on February 14.
 
CPI-M MP A Sampth, however, objected to Thomas's remarks. As they engage in a heated exchange for a while, Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan intervened to pacify them saying the issue was now over.
 
The conference was convened by the chief minister to discuss the state's issue to be taken up in parliament during the budget session.