Why is CPI-M's Youth Wing Protective of Health Minister Veena George?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- DYFI's commitment to protect Health Minister Veena George.
- The tragic building collapse at Kottayam Medical College.
- Public outcry against Kerala's health management.
- Political tensions between CPI-M, BJP, and Congress.
- Calls for accountability in the health sector.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 5 (NationPress) The youth faction of the CPI-M, known as the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), issued a stern warning on Saturday to opposition demonstrators, stating they will not remain passive if State Health Minister Veena George is targeted. The DYFI emphasized its commitment to defend George, asserting there is no justification for criticism following the recent building collapse that resulted in the death of a woman.
For the second consecutive day, protesters from the Congress-led UDF and the BJP clashed with police throughout the state, demanding George's resignation.
Fifty-six-year-old Bindu tragically lost her life when a toilet block at Kottayam Medical College hospital collapsed on Thursday.
The public has voiced significant discontent towards Kerala Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan and George, who, upon visiting the site, claimed that only two people suffered minor injuries and no one was trapped under the rubble.
Vasavan questioned: “Did the Health Minister demolish the building? Should the Prime Minister resign when an aircraft crashes? Did anyone resign in Karnataka after the stampede?”
His comments led to backlash from protesters in Angamali, where he was met with black flags by irate Congress supporters during his official engagement.
Former Kerala BJP president K. Surendran criticized the health department, stating it has become a burden. While inaugurating a protest march at the Kozhikode Medical College, he remarked, “The health sector is engulfed in chaos, with severe medicine shortages... surgeries delayed, and patients receiving incorrect medications. Amidst this turmoil, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has left for medical treatment in the US. Vijayan himself noted that even the wealthy are turning to government hospitals, so why is he seeking care in the US?”
Veteran Congress member Ramesh Chennithala criticized George as an ineffective Minister, stating, “Her inability to manage issues has led to turmoil in Kerala’s health sector. Before heading to the US, Vijayan should have secured George's resignation. The time is nearing when, much like the building in Kottayam, the Vijayan government is destined to fall.”