'Rajeev Chandrasekhar's behaviour clearly shows who needs to be taken to a doctor'; Mohammed Riyas responds to BJP state president

KOZHIKODE: Minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas has hit back at BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar amid a growing political spat over the Vizhinjam International Port inauguration. Responding to recent remarks by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Riyas said the BJP leader’s conduct suggested who truly needed medical attention. He even suggested forming a panel of the best national-level doctors for the purpose.

Calling Chandrasekhar’s remarks “politically immature,” Riyas criticised the BJP leader’s approach, alleging that it reflects a mindset of entitlement. “His attitude seems to be—let’s start a business, buy a company, and if needed, even purchase a right-wing political party. I expressed my views not as a minister, but as a citizen. Is it appropriate for only a political party’s state president to occupy a seat on stage during a government event? Political matters should be addressed politically,” Riyas stated.

The row intensified after Chandrasekhar mocked Riyas, referring to him as a “royal son-in-law” who was upset over the BJP leader arriving early and occupying the stage during the Vizhinjam port ceremony. He sarcastically remarked that Riyas might need a doctor for his disappointment. Rajeev Chandrasekhar said this while responding to a wave of social media trolling he had faced.

Minister Riyas had earlier taken issue with Chandrasekhar’s presence on stage, pointing out that several cabinet ministers, including the state’s Finance Minister, were seated in the audience. He criticised Chandrasekhar for not only taking a seat on the stage but also shouting slogans during the official event, calling it a display of immaturity.

Riyas further underscored his point by sharing a photograph on Facebook featuring senior CPI(M) leaders M. V. Govindan and K. N. Balagopal, along with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s wife, Kamala, all seated among the audience. The post was captioned, “We are in the audience, Rajeev Chandrasekhar is on stage.”