P&T apartment residents demand unconditional apology from Maxy over ‘volte-face’ remark
Residents of the P&T Apartment Complex in Mundamveli, West Kochi, have demanded an unconditional apology from former Kochi MLA K.J. Maxy over his recent remarks alleging that affected families had executed a “volte-face” after a change of government. The row has intensified despite the CPI(M) district leadership reaffirming the party’s solidarity with the residents living in the dilapidated complex.
Background
The controversy erupted after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that the sagging, leaking P&T apartment blocks would have to be demolished. Responding on Sunday, September 27, Mr. Maxy said the families knew about attempts by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government to address their hardships but had reversed their stand once the government changed. He also suggested that repairs, rather than demolition, might suffice — a position that provoked sharp pushback from residents.
Residents push back
The P&T Apartment Owners Association condemned Mr. Maxy’s comments, calling them insensitive and misdirected. Residents — many of them women — staged vocal protests, with some challenging the former legislator to spend time living in the compromised buildings to understand their condition firsthand.
Abhilash P. Parameswaran, president of the owners’ association, said the community would not accept anything short of a full, unconditional apology. “Mr. Maxy’s statement targeting the poorest of the poor while ignoring the corruption and mismanagement that led to their subhuman living conditions warrants an unconditional apology. If he is not willing to tender one, then his party, the CPI(M), should do so on his behalf. If Mr. Maxy remains adamant, then he should quit public service. We will stage strong protests until we receive the unconditional apology that is due to us,” he said, adding that residents were prepared to march to Mr. Maxy’s residence if necessary.
Maxy offers to recant, rejects unconditional apology
Speaking to The Hindu on Monday, September 28, Mr. Maxy said he was prepared to take back his earlier remarks if they had caused hurt. “I am firmly on the side of the affected families, who should be protected by the State government. The structures should be demolished if an expert assessment recommends it. A probe should be carried out and action taken if any discrepancies are found,” he said. However, he maintained there was no need for an “unconditional apology.”
Party stance and official responses
Following the backlash to Mr. Maxy’s comments, the CPI(M) district leadership issued a statement on Sunday reiterating the party’s support for the residents and their demand for decisive action on the unsafe buildings.
Meanwhile, Kochi MLA Mohammed Shiyas affirmed that the P&T apartments were beyond repair and must be demolished. He said that a probe by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau would be announced shortly to examine alleged irregularities linked to the project.
What’s next
The residents’ association has signalled it will escalate protests if an unconditional apology is not issued, either by Mr. Maxy or by the CPI(M) on his behalf. Authorities are expected to move ahead with an expert assessment to determine the structural safety of the apartments, alongside the promised vigilance inquiry into possible corruption or mismanagement.
The P&T complex and the plight of its occupants have recently come under wider public scrutiny after reports highlighted the buildings’ deteriorating condition and the hardships endured by families living there. As demands grow for accountability and a safe, long-term solution, the dispute over Mr. Maxy’s comments has become a flashpoint in a broader debate over responsibility, redress, and the urgency of demolition versus repair.
