Kerala Speaker hurt by picture that went viral

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Speaker N Sakthan on Thursday said he was pained after a picture in which an aide is seen removing the straps of his footwear went viral.

Sakthan told the media here that the incident took place on Wednesday when he attended a function.

"I am deeply pained by the picture... For the past 18 years I am suffering from a very rare eye ailment and I have been advised as far as possible not to bend forward.

"The person who is helping me is a close relative and one who looks after all my personal needs as I am unwell. He travels with me.

"I have been a legislator for 33 years. Anyone who knows me and my ailment would not have made this a big issue," said Sakthan.