'I'm not responding to low-level allegations in front of children'; Suresh Gopi responds to CM's criticism

THRISSUR: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Suresh Gopi indirectly criticised each other at the inauguration of the State School Arts Festival. During his speech, the Chief Minister made indirect remarks targeting the BJP, to which Suresh Gopi later responded.

The Chief Minister said that divisive ideologies that set people against each other should be rejected and that art, which unites everyone, should be upheld. He also pointed out attacks against Christmas carols and said there are situations where even naming film characters as Janaki has become controversial. Education Minister V Sivankutty said that despite the Centre withholding funds, the state has not allowed any shortcomings in facilities for children.

Responding later, Union Minister Suresh Gopi did not directly address the criticism. He said that he would not use a children's platform to respond to what he described as low-level political allegations.

The State School Arts Festival will be held from today until the 18th. Competitions are taking place across 25 venues, which have been named after different flowers. Earlier, there was controversy over the omission of the name 'Thamara' (lotus), with allegations that it was politically motivated. Following the controversy, venue number 15 was named Thamara. Minister V Sivankutty announced the name change a few days ago.