THRISSUR: Union Minister Suresh Gopi clarified that he never said AIIMS would be set up in Thrissur, adding that people of Thrissur should pray before Lord Vadakkunnathan and Our Lady of Lourdes for AIIMS to be established in Alappuzha. He was speaking at an event in Thrissur as part of his 'SG Coffee Times' program, held in his capacity as the Lok Sabha representative from Thrissur.

“Alappuzha is a district that has suffered because of communism. It is a region that has long remained neglected, and efforts are being made to bring it back on track. The people of Alappuzha do not even have proper hospital facilities. I first stated back in 2016 that AIIMS should be set up in Alappuzha, and I still firmly stand by that. This is not about politics or regional bias. I am someone who was born to stand by my words- I never change my position or my promises,” Suresh Gopi said.

He also clarified that he never claimed metro rail service would come to Thrissur. “After the Kochi Metro reaches Angamaly, it should be extended as a branch line through Paliyekkara to Coimbatore. Another sub-route should go via Nattika, Thriprayar, and Guruvayur to reach Tanur,” he suggested.

The minister further emphasised the need to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure equal laws for everyone. “The issues being discussed now concern the upper sections of society. In contrast, during the 'Kalungu Samvadhangal' discussion, we focused on the problems faced by the underprivileged,” he added.