Chandy picks on Achuthanandan over usage of software

The war on social media between Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan intensified on Monday with the former asking the latter to practise what he preaches on usage of software.

Chandy has asked Achuthanandan to explain why he opted for Microsoft when it came to setting up his own website and Facebook page while he has been battling for free software (open source) all these years.

In a statement issued here, Chandy said that all along Achuthanandan has been speaking on the use of free software and he wrote to him quite a few times criticising him for opting for proprietary software and not free software.

"I have two websites and both are run using the free software, while your (Achuthanandan's) website has been developed using asp.net, the product of Microsoft - which you often term as multinational. The server that's being used to post your write-ups on the website is of Microsoft Windows and the domain has been registered with another multinational - Go Daddy, whereas I use everything which is in India," said Chandy.

"I really wished you would have kept out Microsoft, but you have not done it and I wish you tell the people why you don't practise what you preach," the chief minister said.

The two have been having a free-for-all on social media.

Chandy told reporters in Kozhikode on Monday that if Achuthanandan does not withdraw his statement on "cases registered against ministers in the state cabinet" in two days, he will approach the State Election Commission.

Soon after filing his nomination, Achuthanandan, 92, said in Palakkad that Chandy is feeling jittery and hence making all this noise.

--IANS

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