Friday, June 23 2006 11:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: More interesting anecdotes about E.K. Nayanar are promised in a revised version of a Malayalam book on the late Kerala chief minister that will also be translated into English.

After the huge success of 'Kanappurangalile Nayanar', its author P.R.V. Varier is planning the revised version. Varier was the closest aide of Nayanar from 1980 till the veteran Communist leader died in Delhi May 19, 2004.

"The feedback that I have got is tremendous and more people are coming out with their experience with Nayanar. In two months, a revised version would be published with new incidents," said Varier.

"I have also been asked to come out with an English translation because from London alone I have got orders for 1,500 copies," added Varier.

The first release has interesting anecdotes concerning Nayanar that are completely unknown to the common man. Nayanar was Kerala chief minister for a record 131 months on three different occasions.

Nayanar's last term as chief minister was from May 20, 1996, to May 13, 2001, after which he bid adieu to full time politics.



The book provides a profound insight into Nayanar's life as a true Communist leader and incidents associated with his 'miserly behaviour' evoke laughter.

Another revelation is that Nayanar, contrary to his doctor's advice, used to smoke till he fell ill a few months before he passed away.



His observation about former Congress chief minister K. Karunakaran is also interesting, especially after the latter apparently advised Nayanar in his last term as chief minister to use the Mercedes Benz instead of the Ambassador.



Accepting his advice, Nayanar used the Mercedes Benz, only to discover in the newspapers the next day that Karunakaran had criticised him for moving around in the elite vehicle.



"Karunakaran is one who can never be trusted," was the instant reaction of Nayanar.



The present book that runs into 119 pages is priced at Rs.65 and is published by Current Books.



"The new version would be bigger because more incidents are being incorporated after people who were at the receiving end of Nayanar's tongue have approached me," added Varier.