Thiruvananthapuram: CPM leader and Mattannur MLA K K Shailaja on Tuesday defended her participation in a public event held for eight party workers convicted in the 1994 attack on C Sadanandan Master, now a BJP Rajya Sabha MP.

When asked about the criticism surrounding her presence, the former health minister clarified that it was “not a farewell” as portrayed in the media. She said she took part in the gathering on Monday “as a party worker.” “These people were not involved in criminal activities, as locals here know. One is a teacher, another a government official. Some weren’t even politically active when the incident took place,” she claimed. “The court has now convicted them after 30 years, and they are going to jail. Their families are also in sorrow,” she added.

Her defence came a day after Sadanandan Master condemned the event, calling it “unfortunate” and “regrettable.” “At a time when party workers are involved in criminal cases, Shailaja's approach encourages them to commit more such acts, which is highly regrettable,” he said.

Master, a senior BJP leader from Kannur, survived the 1994 attack in which CPM workers allegedly severed his legs. The eight convicts surrendered before the Thalassery Sessions Court on Monday, following the Supreme Court’s rejection of their appeal against a High Court verdict upholding their conviction.

As they were taken into custody, fellow CPM workers reportedly shouted, “Lal Salam, comrades!” The convicts were later shifted to Kannur Central Prison.