September 15, 2025

Union Minister Suresh Gopi stirred a big storm last week in Thrissur, Kerala. During a public meeting, a senior citizen, Kochu Velayudhan from Pullu village, approached him with a written petition. The petition asked for help to restore the collapsed roof of Velayudhan's old, crumbling house. But the minister shocked many when a video showed him returning the paper without even looking at Velayudhan. The poor man looked upset and slowly moved away from the cameras watching the event. Another elderly man with a petition also stepped back quietly, as if taking a hint. Later, Velayudhan told reporters he felt very confused and ashamed because Mr. Gopi “waved him away.” He said he returned home feeling humiliated. The roof had fallen during the heavy rain, and Velayudhan, his sick wife, and two children now lived in a small makeshift shelter nearby. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), quickly reacted. Thrissur district secretary V. Abdul Khadar visited Velayudhan at his hut and promised to get him a new home. Khadar slammed Mr. Gopi’s behavior as “cruelly imperious and unbecoming” an elected leader. He added, “Mr. Gopi has recurrently behaved contemptuously towards constituents who seek his help. He appears to hold the ordinary people who voted him to power in scorn.” In his defense, Suresh Gopi posted on Facebook saying he was “reluctant to make false promises to people who approached him with various reasons.” He explained, “As a person holding public office, I have utmost clarity about what I can do and what I cannot. I do not swindle people by giving them assurances I cannot honour.” He stressed that housing is a State matter, not a central government issue, so he could not promise help. Mr. Gopi blamed a “political party” for making a big fuss over the situation. Still, he added, “I am glad that the fuss gifted a new home for the person.” This incident has opened a floodgate of debates about politicians’ duty to listen to their people—even when solutions lie beyond their control. The heart-tugging video and the contrasting reactions show how simple acts can spark fiery public drama. Will this controversy change how leaders treat needy citizens? For now, all eyes are on Thrissur.

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Tags: Suresh gopi, Senior citizen, Thrissur, Housing issue, Cpim, Viral video,