Suresh Gopi’s ‘culvert sabha’ ends in yet another row in Kerala
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Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi’s latest “culvert sabha” in his Thrissur constituency has stirred controversy after his exchange with an elderly woman depositor from the scam-hit Karuvannur cooperative bank.
According to reports, during the interaction at Irinjalakuda, the woman asked if he could help her recover her savings lost in the alleged 2023 fund scam. In a video of the event, Gopi is heard telling her not to “talk too much” and suggesting she ask the chief minister to intervene, claiming that the Enforcement Directorate had already returned the money to the bank.
When she asked whether he could arrange a meeting with the chief minister, Gopi responded sarcastically, telling her to “climb onto his chest” and reminding her that her own minister resided in the area. When the woman pointed out that he too was a minister, Gopi replied that he was “a minister of the country.”
The latest controversy involving Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi surfaced just a week after another incident at a “culvert sabha” drew sharp criticism in Kerala, the Indian Express reported.
In that case, a video showed the actor-turned-politician dismissing the request of an 80-year-old man, Kochu Velaudhyan, who had sought help to repair his dilapidated house. After Gopi declined, the ruling CPI(M) stepped in and promised assistance to the elderly man.
At another meeting on Wednesday, Gopi referred to that episode, asserting that his political journey would not be derailed by criticism. He remarked that it was good Velaudhyan received a new house and added that he would “send more Velayudhans” to the CPI(M), saying he planned to release a list and visit all 14 districts.
Commenting on the controversies, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was unaware of the exact context but pointed out that the party had set up help desks in all constituencies where people could submit petitions. He maintained that the BJP’s efforts were aimed at creating a “Vikasit Keralam”.