Suresh Gopi’s Bold AIIMS Stance: If Not Alappuzha, Kerala MPs Can Demand Better

Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, emphasizing that if the Centre decides against establishing it in Alappuzha, Members of Parliament like himself have the authority to advocate for a more strategic location. Speaking at a public gathering in Alappuzha, the Thrissur MP reiterated his longstanding position on the medical institute's placement, clarifying that his comments were not intended to oppose any specific site but to ensure statewide benefits and regional development.

Gopi firmly denied claims that his support for Thrissur stemmed solely from his electoral victory there, stating, "I have not said AIIMS should go to Thrissur as I won from there. I did not make any such promise." He criticized the Kerala state government's approach, arguing that it cannot unilaterally dictate the location by merely designating land. Instead, he advocated for a decision-making process that prioritizes accessibility for the entire state and fosters economic growth in the chosen area, highlighting the transformative potential of such premier institutions on local healthcare and infrastructure.

The minister also refuted misinterpretations of his earlier statements, particularly a viral claim that he suggested diverting the AIIMS to Tamil Nadu if Alappuzha was unsuitable. Gopi clarified that his remark pertained to the Central Forensic Science Research Laboratory and Training Institute proposed for Thrissur, not the AIIMS. He recounted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had offered to establish the forensic institute in Thrissur, only for the state government to cite land unavailability and propose relocation elsewhere in Kerala. In response, Gopi quipped that if the state was so inflexible, the project should go to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin—a comment he accused political rivals of twisting to fuel misinformation.

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Gopi's recent endorsement of Alappuzha as a potential site was dismissed by the BJP as his personal opinion, while the ruling CPI(M) accused him of stirring unnecessary controversy to undermine the state government's efforts. This exchange underscores deeper tensions between the Centre and Kerala's Left-front administration over key infrastructure projects, with AIIMS symbolizing broader debates on federal priorities and regional equity. As Kerala continues to push for the institute—earmarked in the 2015 Union Budget but delayed by land and funding issues—Gopi's intervention adds fuel to the discourse on equitable development.

The AIIMS proposal remains a flashpoint in Kerala's political landscape, with stakeholders urging swift resolution to address the state's acute shortage of advanced medical facilities. Gopi's comments, while clarifying his intent, have reignited calls for transparent consultations involving MPs, state officials, and health experts. As the debate evolves, it highlights the delicate balance between local aspirations and national planning, with the ultimate goal of enhancing healthcare access for millions across the state.

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