Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Tourism, Suresh Gopi, reaffirmed his unwavering stance on establishing an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, specifically advocating for Alappuzha as the preferred location. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, Gopi emphasized that his position remains unchanged since 2016, when he first voiced his support for bringing the premier medical institute to the state. “I have only one stand, the same as in 2016,” he declared, sidestepping calls to clarify his recent remarks that have ignited a political firestorm.

Gopi’s push for an AIIMS in Alappuzha has drawn sharp reactions, with the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] accusing him of stirring “unnecessary controversy.” The state government, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has already proposed Kozhikode as the ideal site, having acquired and earmarked land for the project. Gopi, however, revealed that he had directly urged the Chief Minister to allocate land in Alappuzha, a suggestion that has been met with mixed responses.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gopi’s own party, has distanced itself from his remarks, labeling them as his personal opinion. BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh clarified on Thursday that while the party welcomes an AIIMS anywhere in Kerala, the final decision rests with the central government. The Centre, Ramesh noted, will determine the location based on specific parameters and consultations with the state government, aiming to balance regional needs and logistical feasibility.

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The controversy has reignited debates over regional priorities in Kerala, with the CPI(M) arguing that Kozhikode’s infrastructure and connectivity make it a more suitable choice. Critics of Gopi’s stance claim his focus on Alappuzha overlooks the state’s broader consensus, while his supporters argue that the coastal district’s healthcare needs justify his advocacy.

As the tug-of-war over the AIIMS location continues, the issue underscores the complex interplay of politics and development in Kerala. With the state and central governments yet to reach a consensus, the decision on where to establish the institute remains a contentious point, leaving Keralites eagerly awaiting clarity on this long-pending promise of world-class healthcare.

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