Central Minister George Kurian has withdrawn from the state conference of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) taking place today, where an apology from Suresh Gopi was demanded. George Kurian was supposed to be the chief guest at the KUWJ state conference inaugurated by the Chief Minister. However, the latest information indicates that he will not be attending the event. There are also reports that the KUWJ is reaching out to the BJP’s central leadership to ensure the participation of the central minister.
There was internal dissent within the party regarding George Kurian’s attendance at the KUWJ event. Additionally, another central minister had earlier distributed printed statements criticizing Suresh Gopi at the same venue. This was the theme resolution at the KUWJ’s state conference against Suresh Gopi.
“The union strongly condemned the indecent behavior of central minister Suresh Gopi, who attempted to assault media personnel questioning him in Thrissur. Suresh Gopi should apologize,” stated the resolution.
It was a significant controversy for another central minister to be the chief guest at an event organized with the aim of making Suresh Gopi apologize. The resolution also referenced actor Dharmajan Bolgatty, who had spoken poorly to journalist Aparna Kuruppu on News 18. The impropriety of George Kurian participating in the conference that passed a resolution insulting a fellow minister was a topic of discussion. The resolution by the KUWJ organization stated that Suresh Gopi should apologize for assaulting journalists in Thrissur and criticized his indecent behavior.
How can another central minister, George Kurian, participate in the very event that proposed a resolution demanding an apology from Suresh Gopi? This was the reason for George Kurian’s withdrawal from the event. Moreover, the same state conference honored Siddique Kappan, a UAPA accused released on bail in the Hathras conspiracy case. It raised questions about how a central minister could attend an event that honored an accused in a UAPA case, which also contributed to George Kurian’s decision to withdraw from the KUWJ event.
Additionally, it is reported that Kappan was referred to as a “fighter” until he was addressed. The speaker indicated that Kappan, who was noted to attend the conference as a fighter, should stand in respect while addressing the members. Subsequently, Kappan stood up and greeted the attendees.
Understanding the circumstances, Kurian informed the party members that he would not participate in the conference. He was invited as the chief guest for the closing session. There is a historical precedent of union women members protesting against former central minister V. Muraleedharan during a state conference of KUWJ held in Thrissur. In response to Muraleedharan’s remarks concerning a case involving press club officials in Thiruvananthapuram, women journalists stopped him from leaving the venue. They insisted that Muraleedharan should apologize. State office bearers had to intervene to eventually allow him to leave the venue.
