It is officer's fault to have asked for the salute, shelve ego, Ganesh Kumar MLA comes in support of Suresh Gopi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K B Ganesh Kumar MLA came in support of Suresh Gopi MP in the salute controversy. 'A police officer should salute a member of the Indian Parliament and not Suresh Gopi. That is courtesy. The issue of protocol is being raised for a debate. Suresh Gopi should not have asked for the salute. It is the fault of the officer to have asked for the salute. Being a MP, he should be respected. The officers should not carry ego in their minds. They should salute the MLAs also,’ said Ganesh Kumar.

Suresh Gopi made the sub inspector salute him yesterday. He went near the sub inspector who was sitting in his jeep and said 'I am an MP, not a mayor. You can salute me, don't forget that habit ... soon the inspector saluted him. Suresh Gopi's act was opposed from many quarters. According to the police, the standing order states need not salute MLAs and MPs.

Meantime, Suresh Gopi came forward responding to the salute controversy. He said his opinion is that one should put an end to the salute programme, but will not allow any political discrimination in that. 'Who made this a controversy... say that first. Does this police officer have a complaint? Police Association, whose association? The people cannot carry any association. It is only for their welfare. So don't play politics. We will see. Who said it is not necessary to salute MPs and MLAs? The police have a system in Kerala and India. It should be followed,’ said the actor.