'Did PM Modi resign after Ahmedabad flight crash?'; Minister Vasavan scoffs at opposition for demanding Min Veena George's resignation

KOTTAYAM: Minister VN Vasavan lambasted the Youth Congress' protests over the building collapse in Kottayam MCH. The minister also ridiculed the opposition for demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George.

“Was it the minister who pushed the building for it to collapse? If going by the same logic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also have resigned after the disastrous flight crash in Ahmedabad. It is pertinent to understand the core issues of the incident. The government is taking all prudent measures. It is puerile to demand the resignation of the minister after every incident.” Said Minister Vasavan.

Protests erupted statewide demanding the resignation of health minister Veena George, alleging lapse and inefficiency over the building collapse incident in Kottayam MCH that took the life of a bystander. Opposition organizations marched to the DMO office in all districts. The BJP held a protest march to the minister's house in Pathanamthitta. Police had to use brute force to subdue protestors in some places.

Tensions also erupted during the Youth Congress protest at the minister's official residence in the capital. Police used water cannons on activists who tried to break down the barricade. After being lathi-charged, the activists jumped over the wall. Police are still looking for ways to bring tensions down in the area. Despite repeated use of water cannons, the activists did not disperse.

Clash erupted during the Congress march towards Sasthamcotta Taluk Hospital leaving the block president and many others injured.

The police used water cannons when the activists tried to break the barricade and jump into the office. Several Youth Congress activists and leaders were arrested. The activists blocked the Kannur-Taliparamba National Highway. Prajeesh, the Youth Congress president of Taliparamba Mandal, sustained a head injury in the clash.