Union Minister Suresh Gopi garlands a statue of Sakthan Thampuran in Thirssur on August 17, 2025. Picture: X/@TheSureshGopi
Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi on Sunday (August 17, 2025) said that it was the Election Commission of India (ECI), not him, that must respond to allegations of voter list manipulation in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Thrissur.
Speaking to the media after garlanding the statue of Sakthan Thampuran in Thrissur, the Minister reacted for the first time to the raging controversy.
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“It is the Chief Election Commissioner who should answer your doubts. Why didn’t I respond? Because it is not my responsibility. I am a minister, and I have fulfilled my duties. Those who must reply will reply. If you have more questions, ask them — or wait until the matter comes before the Supreme Court,” he said.
In a sharp remark aimed at his critics, he added: “A few monkeys have jumped out raising allegations. Go and ask them instead.”
About garlanding the Sakthan Thampuran statue, Mr. Gopi said, “I heard why my heart speaks. I did what I felt was right. Thrissur must regain the strength of Sakthan.”
The controversy erupted after allegations that Mr. Gopi and his family had shifted their votes to Thrissur using a false affidavit ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The City Police Commissioner has already ordered an investigation. Documents have also surfaced showing that the Minister’s brother held votes in both Thrissur and Kollam, intensifying the row.
Published – August 17, 2025 11:55 am IST
