Kannur (Kerala), Feb 25 (NationPress) Kerala's Health Minister Veena George sustained injuries during a clash at the Kannur railway station, where opposition student activists protested against her, leading to a confrontation with police. This incident compelled her to abandon her travel plans and seek medical attention.

The Minister had just arrived at the station to catch the Vande Bharat Express after attending official events in the area.

Upon her arrival, members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), aligned with the Congress party, and youth wing members of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) organized a protest against her.

Efforts by police to disperse the crowd escalated into chaos on the platform.

During the turmoil, George found herself caught between the protesters and law enforcement, resulting in injuries to her neck and hand.

Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer had just entered the station as the Minister arrived right after him.

The situation rapidly devolved into a chaotic scene.

George was overheard on a call, expressing discomfort from pain originating on the right side of her neck.

Although she initially hoped to proceed with her journey, she eventually acknowledged her inability to travel due to worsening pain.

Consequently, her trip was canceled, and she was transported on a trolley from the station to a vehicle, which took her to Kannur District Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

In the wake of this incident, local CPI-M leaders began arriving at the hospital.

Party supporters gathered outside as doctors examined the severity of her injuries.

The police are expected to investigate the security breach and reassess the arrangements at the station.

In response to the incident, Speaker Shamseer stated that while protests are an integral part of democracy, physically attacking a minister is unacceptable and poses a risk to democratic principles.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the situation, asserting that the attack on Health Minister Veena George by KSU members exemplifies the Congress party’s unacceptable political culture.

“The Health Minister was assaulted and injured at the Kannur railway station. What transpired was not a legitimate protest but rather the actions of a group of violent individuals. The Minister was assaulted as she approached the platform,” he emphasized.

Highlighting that Kerala possesses the best healthcare system in India, acknowledged by various official bodies, Vijayan remarked, “Exaggerating isolated incidents and targeting a Minister uninvolved in them cannot be considered politics; it is a distortion of political engagement.”

“The Congress leadership must not believe that they can incite unrest or disrupt public order through their supporters. The responsibility lies firmly with the Congress party leadership and the UDF alliance. The KSU's actions represent their tendency to tarnish politics with unfounded accusations. This behavior is highly condemnable and warrants significant protest,” he concluded.