THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CITU state secretary KN Gopinath has mocked Union Minister Suresh Gopi for distributing umbrellas to ASHA workers protesting in front of the Secretariat. Mocking the minister, Gopinath remarked that he was unsure whether Suresh Gopi had also given kisses along with the umbrellas.

"Suresh Gopi, the champion of protests, arrived at the protest site and distributed umbrellas to everyone. I don't know if he also gave kisses this time. Earlier, he had the practice of doing so, but I think he stopped it after one or two people complained. Now, I hear he distributed umbrellas. Instead of giving umbrellas, shouldn’t he raise the issue in Parliament and secure some benefits for them? He should've come to the protest site with such an offer," Gopinath said.

The other day, Suresh Gopi had distributed umbrellas to ASHA workers to protect them from the rain. The police had earlier removed the tarpaulin sheets that the protestors had tied up to shield themselves from the rain. In response, Suresh Gopi provided the umbrellas. The ASHA workers had been sleeping under the tarpaulin sheets, which were removed by the police after waking them up. Despite protests, the police did not back down from their decision.

Expressing solidarity with the ASHA workers, Suresh Gopi had assured them that he would attempt to contact the Chief Minister. He stated that he would request the Chief Minister to listen to the demands of the protest committee. He also warned that if the ASHA workers were dismissed without addressing their demands, the central government might have to reconsider its financial contributions to the state. Suresh Gopi further stated that he would bring the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister and his cabinet, and appropriate action would be taken.