Union Minister Suresh Gopi has responded to allegations of voters' list manipulation. He said he does not need to answer to the charges made by the Congress and Left parties; the Election Commission is there to give them a reply.
Gopi said he is a minister and is fulfilling his responsibilities. The Bharatiya Janata Party leader called those who raised the allegations "vanaras," or monkeys. "The Election Commission will give a reply to this," Gopi said. "It is the EC who should answer. I am a minister. I am delivering my duties well." He added that the accusers could take the matter to the Supreme Court if they want a reply. He said those "vanaras" could go there to get answers.
This is the first time Gopi has responded to the allegations. They are related to the Lok Sabha polls last year. Earlier in the day, the Union Minister garlanded the statue of Shakthan Thampuran, the former ruler of the kingdom of Kochi.
District Congress Committee president Joseph Tajet criticised Suresh Gopi's remarks. He said the Congress's culture does not allow them to respond in the same language. Tajet held a press conference. He claimed it is now clear to everyone that Gopi manipulated the voters' list. He alleged Gopi is making such comments to hide his mistakes and distract people.
Also read: Suresh Gopi reaches Thrissur amid voter fraud controversy
Tajet suggested Gopi might have looked in a mirror when making the "vanara" remark. He said the party would not back down from its allegations. "He has not opened his mouth so far about the allegations," Tajet said. "Now, his reply was a way of insulting the entire people of Thrissur. It is regrettable. Congress cannot reply in the same way, as it is a party which respects others."
Last week, the Congress made new allegations against Gopi. They accused him of submitting a false declaration to be included on the voters' list for the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency. The Congress has also filed a police complaint against the actor-turned-politician.
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