Suresh Gopi fit to become MP, says Left Mayor MK Varghese; corrects statement after controversy

THRISSUR: MK Varghese, the Mayor of Thrissur Corporation, ruled by the Left Front, fell into controversy for praising Suresh Gopi who came to solicit votes. Following the controversy, the Mayor held a press conference along with CPM leaders explaining that the statement had been misinterpreted.

Suresh Gopi, NDA candidate for Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, which Kerala is looking forward to, came to meet Mayor MK Varghese in the chamber yesterday afternoon. Then to a question from the media persons, the Mayor said that Suresh Gopi is a a person fit to become an MP. He stands among the people. He praised Suresh Gopi for paying the entire amount declared to the corporation. Suresh Gopi had given One crore rupees for Shaktan Nagar market renovation while he was an MP.

Meanwhile, UDF candidate K Muraleedharan responded that the BJP-CPM deal has been confirmed in Thrissur. He also demanded that the CPM should be ready to oust the mayor if there is no deal. Later, Mayor and CPM leaders PK Shajan held a press conference along with Varghese Kandamkulathyand and clarified that not only Suresh Gopi but all three candidates are eligible. He also said that he will stand firmly with the Left. MK Varghese, who resigned from Congress, became the Corporation Mayor with the support of the CPM. LDF and UDF have 25-24 seats in the corporation. The Left is ruling with a one-man majority.