Thrissur: Union Minister Suresh Gopi responded to criticism against him over rejecting an elderly man’s application during an event in Thrissur. He termed the incident a mistake and expressed happiness over the CPM’s decision to provide a house to the elderly man, Velayudhan. At the same time, he accused the CPM of attempting to politicise the issue by suggesting that the party would send more people like Velayudhan to his programmes.

He was addressing an event in Kodungallur on Wednesday.

“I’m happy that the poor man got a house. But I’m sure more Velayudhans will attend my public programmes in the coming days. The CPM wanted me to reject the petition to gain political mileage. Soon, I will release a list of homeless people. I challenge the CPM to show the same spirit by giving houses to everyone on that list,” said Suresh Gopi.

The minister said minor mistakes should not be used to derail the 'Kalung Souhrida Samvadam' (Culvert Friendly Debate) initiative. He added that such programmes would be held across all 14 districts of Kerala.

“Just like my character Bharat Chandran in cinema, I too have the courage to move forward,” he said, dismissing criticism over rejecting the elderly man’s petition.

“Some allege that I haven’t come out of cinema. The truth is, I cannot leave it entirely. But that doesn’t stop me from fulfilling my responsibilities as a public representative. It is only because I addressed real issues raised by the public that some are upset. But no one can stop this.”

Suresh Gopi clarified that the Culvert Friendly Debate is aimed at addressing people’s concerns and finding solutions to development issues. However, he acknowledged that with local body and Assembly elections ahead, political campaigning is also intertwined with the programme.

Velayudhan had tried to submit a written request to the Union Minister during the Culvert Friendly Debate at Pullu last week. To everyone’s surprise, Suresh Gopi refused to accept it and told him to approach the panchayat. As the incident triggered a political row, the CPM came to Velayudhan’s support, and the party’s local committee declared that they would construct a house for him.

When the controversy erupted, Suresh Gopi defended himself, saying he does not believe in political gimmicks and knows what he can do as a politician.

This is not the first time Suresh Gopi has been accused of insulting people who approached him for help. In 2024, he refused to hear the request of a woman who sought assistance for her son’s treatment. The boy suffers from a rare disease called Mastocytosis. Irked by the woman's request, the BJP leader told her to approach CPM state secretary MV Govindan. That incident took place at the Guruvayur temple, when Suresh Gopi was active as a BJP leader in Thrissur but had not yet been elected Union Minister.

Meanwhile, he assured that if the BJP comes to power in the Kodungallur municipality and Assembly, funds and development projects would follow.

The minister also pointed out that the fight to secure an AIIMS for Kerala continues. “If Alappuzha misses out, then the struggle for Thrissur will be intensified into a mass agitation,” he said.