Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran leader V S Achuthanandan on Wednesday said that the questions raised by the UDF regarding the cost incurred on the maintenance of Cantonment house was aimed at misleading the people and creating confusion in their minds.

In a statement here, Mr. Achuthanandan said while being opposition leader Mr. Oommen Chandy had not lived in Cantonment House.

His personal staff had turned the heritage building into a lodge and even ran a canteen from there. It is a building that has witnessed historical events in Travancore-Kerala politics.

Mr. Achuthanandan said after becoming the opposition leader, he decided to go for the maintenance of the heritage building. I was determined to restore and preserve the historical building and he government spend the required amount for its maintenance,” he added.

"I and my family stayed in an outhouse with a tin roof attached to the heritage building. Anyone who visits the place will understand this clearly. The heritage building was used only for holding press conferences, official meetings and other office requirements. Even my personal staff and other workers associated with the office worked from adjoining buildings,” Mr. Achuthanandan said.