Union Minister Suresh Gopi on June 12 referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the "mother of India" and praised the late Congress Chief Minister K. Karunakaran as a "courageous administrator".
The BJP leader also acknowledged Karunakaran and Marxist veteran EK Nayanar as his "political gurus".
Gopi, speaking to reporters after visiting the memorial of K. Karunakaran, "Murali Mandiram" in Kerala's Punkunnam, described the late Congress Chief Minister as a "courageous administrator" and his "political guru," along with Marxist veteran EK Nayanar. Gopi also referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the "mother of India."
Gopi had previously won the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, defeating Karunakaran's son, Congress leader K Muraleedharan, who finished third in the triangular contest in the April 26 polls. Urging media persons not to attach political significance to his visit, Gopi stated that his purpose was to pay respects to his "guru."
He mentioned his close relationships with Karunakaran and his wife, Kalyanikutty Amma, similar to his ties with Nayanar and his wife, Sarada Teacher. Gopi visited Nayanar's home in Kannur and renewed his relationship with Nayanar's family on June 12.
Gopi further expressed his view that while Indira Gandhi was "bharathathinte mathavu" (mother of India), Karunakaran was the "father of the Congress party in the state." He clarified that this designation was not meant to disrespect the founders or co-founders of the Congress party in Kerala but to honor Karunakaran's contributions. He praised Karunakaran's administrative capabilities, highlighting him as a distinguished and courageous leader of his generation.
Gopi revealed that he had wished to visit Murali Mandiram in 2019, but Karunakaran's daughter, Padmaja Venugopal, who recently joined the BJP, had discouraged him for political reasons. During his visit to Thrissur, Gopi also visited the famous Lourde Mata Church and offered prayers. He mentioned that his political opponents had previously targeted him over his family's presentation of a golden crown to the idol of St. Mary during his daughter's marriage, falsely claiming it was made of copper instead of gold.
Gopi's victory in Thrissur marked a significant milestone for the BJP in Kerala, as the constituency witnessed a three-way contest between major candidates from the Congress, BJP, and CPI.
With agency inputs
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