Suresh Gopi, Ganesh Kumar engage in banter during public function

KOLLAM: A light-hearted exchange took place between Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Kerala Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar during a public function attended by the Vice President. The two, who are also film actors and friends, engaged in a friendly verbal sparring while speaking at the centenary celebrations of St. Stephen’s HSS, Pathanapuram.

The exchange began when Ganesh Kumar made a humorous remark about Suresh Gopi gifting a prize to SB College in Changanassery. Ganesh Kumar jokingly asked whether Suresh Gopi, who handles the Petroleum portfolio at the Centre, had made diesel free for the school bus. He also remarked that this was Suresh Gopi’s first visit to Pathanapuram after becoming a Union Minister.

Responding to the comment, Suresh Gopi recalled that when Ganesh Kumar first contested elections in Pathanapuram, he had campaigned for him and sought votes at several venues in a single afternoon. He said former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was also present on one such stage. He added that during Ganesh Kumar’s second election campaign, he had joined him in an open jeep roadshow.

Suresh Gopi further said that if he started giving petrol and diesel free as Ganesh Kumar suggested, he would “take over Pathanapuram.” He clarified that the gift presented to SB College was a gold-plated sculpture lovingly given to him by the people of Thrissur. He said he decided to present it to the college because it was associated with prominent personalities such as Prem Nazir, Oommen Chandy, M. G. Soman and P. Parameswaran.