Veena George faces setback in Aranmula; Abin Varkey leading by more than 8000 votes

PATHANAMTHITTA: As vote counting progresses in the Assembly elections, UDF candidate Abin Varkey has taken the lead against Health Minister Veena George in Aranmula. He is ahead by around 8,500 votes. Veena George, who won by 7,646 votes in 2016 and by 19,003 votes in 2021, now appears to be heading towards defeat.

About two months ago, a protest by KSU workers at Kannur railway station left Veena George with a neck injury, triggering major controversy. While she was undergoing treatment at Pariyaram Medical College, Congress offices in Kannur were widely attacked, and a bomb was reportedly thrown at the house of one of the accused. Several leaders, including the Chief Minister, visited her at the hospital.

Based on a complaint filed by the minister’s gunman, police registered an attempt to murder case against KSU workers, alleging that she was attacked with a weapon. However, officials present at the scene later stated that no weapon was used. Veena George also later said that her injury was caused during the scuffle that broke out during the protest. The issue sparked widespread protests, especially as KSU workers were remanded in custody on charges of using a weapon.

In addition, several setbacks in the state’s health sector are believed to have affected her prospects. The collapse of a building at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, which resulted in the death of a woman, also occurred during her tenure as Health Minister.