Kochu Velayudhan, who faced humiliation from MoS Suresh Gopi, gets new house

CHERPU: The construction of the house of Pullu native Thayattu Kochu Velayudhan, who faced public humiliation from Union Minister Suresh Gopi, is nearing completion. The foundation stone was laid on September 22 under the leadership of the CPM Cherpu Area Committee. The unfortunate incident involving the union minister occurred on September 12 when Suresh Gopi came to the "Kalunku Debate" in Pullu.

In protest to Suresh Gopi’s haughty conduct, many people came forward, donating construction materials and money to Kochu Velayudhan. The construction of the 600 square feet house, which includes two bedrooms, a hall, a kitchen, a bathroom and a veranda, is almost complete within three months from starting the work.

The family had been living in a nearby thatched hut for two years after their old house was destroyed when a coconut tree fell on it. Velayudhan is an agricultural labourer.

Velayudhan prepared the application for the construction of the house at the insistence of BJP leaders who visited him. Kochu Velayudhan thus went to meet Suresh Gopi with great expectations. All hopes were dashed when the elderly man was left embarrassed publicly after the union minister returned the letter without even opening it.

A video of Kochu Velayudhan walking back through the crowd, humiliated, went viral, evoking a massive response from people on social media. Upon learning of the incident, CPM District Secretary K.V. Abdul Khader visited Kochu Velayudhan's house on September 14 and assured him that the house would be constructed. The new house will be handed over to Kochu Velayudhan as soon as the panchayat elections are over.