N Sakthan, 64, claimed doctors had advised him not to bend following an ailment.
Kerala Speaker N Sakthan has landed in a controversy after he was photographed while an aide was helping him remove his sandals. The photograph was widely shared on social media, where some have even demanded his resignation.
The occasion was a harvest festival, held within the Kerala Assembly premises on Wednesday.
Mr Sakthan, 64, claimed doctors had advised him not to bend following an ailment and he "did not ask Biju" -- who is also his relative -- to help him with the shoes.
"I have been suffering for years from a physical ailment, which has affected both my eyes. I have had 10 laser surgeries in my eyes," Mr Sakthan said. "I have been asked by the doctor not to bend, not to lift weights and not to expose myself to sunlight for long durations."
The Speaker said he usually wears strapless sandals, but wore different shoes to the harvest festival since he was expected to walk in muddy fields.
"When I reached there, I realised I have to walk on a mat and my aide helped me take off the slippers," he said.
But notwithstanding his doctors' advice, Mr Sakthan was seen bending several times to harvest the paddy and beat the sheaves. Asked about the discrepancy, he said, "I was cautious while bending."
But Tweeple were not mollified.