Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant setback for the Kerala state government, a report from the State Intelligence Department has indicated that the recent controversies surrounding Health Minister Veena George have backfired. The report, submitted to the Chief Minister, specifically points to the Minister’s decision to seek treatment at a government hospital following protests by the Kerala Students Union (KSU) as a move that failed to garner public sympathy.
According to the intelligence findings, the “Veena drama” did not achieve its intended effect. The report highlights two primary reasons for the negative public sentiment:
- Failure to Prove Physical Assault: The government and party were unable to provide visual evidence to the public showing the Minister being physically attacked during the KSU protest.
- Perception of Special Treatment: At a time when there is general public dissatisfaction regarding the state of government hospitals, the perceived “special consideration” and VIP treatment given to the Minister for what was described as minor injuries created a negative narrative.
The report suggests that the widespread campaign regarding the Minister receiving exclusive care—while ordinary citizens struggle for basic facilities—has damaged the government’s reputation. Instead of positioning the Minister as a victim of political violence, the optics of her hospital stay under the guise of the protest have been viewed critically by the general populace.
