Will invite Suresh Gopi to Athletic Meet if he withdraws controversial remark, says Minister V Sivankutty

KOCHI: Minister V Sivankutty on Monday said that the state government would invite Union Minister Suresh Gopi to the State School Athletic Meet if he withdraws the 'single-father' remark. He said that there was enough time to invite the Union Minister to the athletics meet. Sivankutty also took a dig at Suresh Gopi by saying that he doesn't know if the Union Minister would secretly arrive at the athletic meet venue in an ambulance or similar vehicle.

"The government has clarified its policy. Suresh Gopi would be invited to the State School Athletic Meet if he withdraws the 'single-father' remark. He still has time to correct his statement. I don't know if he would come to the venue in an ambulance or other vehicle. He is a Union Minister. If he arrives at the venue, we will provide him with a chair on the stage. That's our dignity," the minister said.

Suresh Gopi made the controversial remark while speaking at the BJP campaign rally in Chelakkara. However, he later said that he did not make any objectionable remarks during the meeting.