Kochi: Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that Union Minister Suresh Gopi will not be invited to the upcoming School Olympics, a new initiative by the state government. The minister expressed concerns that Gopi might make inappropriate comments in front of children.
Recently, Gopi sparked controversy with remarks he made while asking the state government to let the CBI investigate issues related to the Thrissur Pooram festival. After facing backlash, Gopi clarified that he did not mean to be offensive and was simply quoting film dialogues.
Sivankutty told reporters that the General Education Department has decided against inviting Gopi to the School Sports Meet, which will take place from November 4 to 11 in Ernakulam, as it is a significant event modeled after the Olympics.
"We cannot risk him saying something inappropriate in front of children, so Suresh Gopi won't be invited," the minister stated. He added that Gopi could be invited only if he retracted his recent remarks, which he considered insulting to the people of Kerala.
The minister also commented that invitations for the event have already been printed, and he criticized Gopi for not offering any support for the School Olympics, which is a unique initiative in India. Sivankutty remarked that although Kerala has seen many events since its formation, it has not heard comments like those made by Gopi, suggesting that such statements would be remembered in the state's history.
With PTI inputs