Kochi, 25 Feb (H.S): Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has firmly rejected allegations that Kerala Health Minister Veena George was assaulted by KSU activists during a protest in Kannur, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
Responding to reports that the Minister was attacked amid a black-flag demonstration staged by members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), Satheesan said the accusation of physical assault remains only an allegation. He pointed out that, according to available information, only three or four KSU workers were present at the protest site along with around 35 police personnel.
“Visuals that have emerged do not show any KSU activist approaching the Minister or physically assaulting her,” Satheesan said. He added that a preliminary inquiry had already been conducted. “If it is proven that the Minister was manhandled, we will not hesitate to take action,” he asserted, emphasizing that the Congress-led Opposition does not condone violence. However, he made it clear that black-flag protests against the Minister would continue.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph also expressed skepticism over the claims that the Minister had sustained injuries in the incident. “We have not seen any visuals of the Minister being physically attacked or injured. No footage shows anyone touching or harming her,” he said. While refraining from making definitive conclusions, Joseph maintained that the matter should be thoroughly examined before accepting the claims.
KSU State president Aloshious Xavier likewise dismissed the allegations, terming them a “CPM narrative.” He accused the ruling party of attempting to portray the Minister as a victim for political mileage. “The Minister is trying to wear the garb of a martyr. The visuals clearly show that the protest did not escalate into physical assault,” Xavier told reporters.
He reiterated that the demonstration was a legitimate and democratic expression of dissent. “In a democracy, protests are natural. Our activists did not manhandle the Minister. They only staged a protest,” he said. Xavier further criticized the state of the health sector, remarking that public dissatisfaction would inevitably lead to protests against the Health Minister.
The incident has intensified political tensions in Kerala, with the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led Opposition trading accusations over the episode.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
