Thiruvananthapuram, 21 Feb (H.S.):Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan on Saturday launched a scathing attack against Kerala Health Minister Veena George, asserting that the opposition would continue to criticise her handling of the Health Department.

Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Muraleedharan said the Minister was “not a maharani” and should be open to public scrutiny. “We do not need any certificate from the Minister,” he remarked, adding that criticism from the opposition was both legitimate and necessary in a democracy.

Muraleedharan alleged that the Health Department had deteriorated under her leadership. “Among Kerala’s Health Ministers, Veena George scores a complete zero. The department has been reduced to a mortuary. How can we remain silent?” he asked.

Referring to the recent protest by Youth Congress workers at the Minister’s residence, Muraleedharan clarified that no violence had taken place. “No one threw stones. They went directly to the Minister’s house and placed a wreath there,” he said, defending the demonstrators’ actions.

The Congress leader also responded to General Education Minister V. Sivankutty’s statement that he would “deal with” the opposition protests. Muraleedharan dismissed the remark, saying Sivankutty no longer possessed the same “energy or strength” as before and should realise that himself.

The remarks come amid mounting political tensions in the state over alleged lapses in the Health Department, with the opposition stepping up its attacks against the government. The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has defended the Minister, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has vowed to intensify its protests in the coming days.

The exchange signals a further escalation in the political war of words between the government and the opposition over healthcare governance in Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman