Thiruvananthapuram, 26 Feb (H.S.): Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan today demanded that medical experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) examine Kerala Health Minister Veena George, who is currently undergoing treatment following an alleged assault during a protest in Kannur. He alleged that the sequence of events surrounding the Minister’s injury was “orchestrated” and called for an independent medical evaluation to remove any doubts.
Addressing reporters, Muraleedharan claimed that the KSU activists who had gathered to show black flags did not even approach the Minister. He said CCTV visuals showed that the protesters did not reach anywhere near her and that the Minister had instead moved toward them, with police attempting to calm the situation.
He questioned how the Minister, who was reportedly seen smiling while moving from Platform 1 to Platform 3 at the Kannur railway station, suddenly developed a neck injury. According to Muraleedharan, there appeared to be no discomfort until she met the Speaker and spoke normally, after which she complained of neck pain and was taken to the district hospital.
The Congress leader further criticised the decision to shift the Minister from the district hospital to Pariyaram Medical College, alleging that the move was part of a pre-planned political strategy. He also raised concerns about the choice of hospital and called for greater transparency in the treatment process.
Muraleedharan took a sarcastic swipe at the Minister, remarking that though she may have failed in her role as a Minister, her acting skills were noteworthy. Referring to her past participation in youth festivals, he suggested that her performance deserved recognition.
Calling for clarity and credibility in the matter, Muraleedharan insisted that AIIMS specialists be invited to examine the Minister’s injury. He said an independent assessment by national-level experts would eliminate controversy and restore public confidence.
He also criticised Speaker A.N. Shamseer, urging him to maintain constitutional dignity and avoid partisan perceptions. The remarks come amid an escalating political dispute between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress over the events at Kannur railway station.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
