Suresh Gopi Responds to Backlash Over Housing Application
Minister defends refusing elderly man’s plea for house.
Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi has hit back at critics after facing backlash for refusing to accept an application for housing assistance from an elderly man, Velayudhan, during a public event on September 12. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked heated debate, with netizens accusing Gopi of insensitivity. In a detailed clarification posted on his Facebook page, Gopi defended his actions, emphasizing his commitment to avoiding false promises and working within the system to deliver tangible results.
The controversy erupted when Velayudhan approached Gopi at a public gathering in Thrissur, seeking help to secure a house. Gopi, however, declined to accept the application publicly, a move that drew sharp criticism online. Addressing the backlash, Gopi stated, “I do not make promises that cannot be fulfilled. Giving people false hopes is not my way of doing things.” He clarified that housing is a state subject, falling under the jurisdiction of the Kerala state government, and thus beyond his direct authority as a Union Minister.
Gopi accused some groups of exploiting the incident for political gain, alleging they were attempting to tarnish his image. “As a public representative, I have always been clear about what I can and cannot do,” he wrote, underscoring his focus on practical solutions over empty assurances. He further noted that he had been aware of Velayudhan’s situation for the past two years and was pleased to learn that another party had stepped forward to provide the elderly man’s family with a home following the incident. “Even if there was a political motive behind it, what matters is that the family finally got a house,” Gopi said, viewing the outcome as a positive development.
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The minister concluded by urging the public to focus on real solutions rather than political games. “In people’s struggles, there is no place for political agendas,” he asserted, reaffirming his commitment to serving his constituents honestly. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of elected officials and the challenges of addressing local issues within the framework of India’s federal system.
