A video showing Union Minister Suresh Gopi refusing to accept a petition from an elderly man in his Thrissur constituency has sparked widespread criticism. The incident occurred during a public meeting in Thrissur, Kerala, where the man, Kochu Velayudhan, sought assistance to repair his dilapidated house after its roof collapsed.

In the video, Velayudhan is seen handing over a written request to Gopi, who promptly returns it, stating that it was not the job of a Member of Parliament to handle housing issues. Velayudhan later expressed his disappointment, saying he felt hurt that the minister did not even look at his petition. "Even if he took it and said he cannot do anything, it would have been fine. But he didn't even take it," he lamented.

Gopi, a former actor turned politician, faced a barrage of criticism online, with many accusing him of insensitivity. Critics noted the apparent contradiction with Gopi's image as a philanthropist, which had contributed to his victory in the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat, the first for the BJP in Kerala.

In response to the controversy, Gopi defended his actions, stating that housing is a state issue and he did not want to make promises he could not keep. "I don't like to keep false promises. I don't like to give a word that I cannot fulfill," he said. He further clarified that such requests could not be approved or decided by one person alone and that the state government should address the matter. Gopi added that his efforts have always been focused on working within the system to deliver tangible benefits to the people.

Following the public outcry, leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), the ruling party in Kerala, visited Velayudhan's residence and pledged to construct a new house for him. CPM Thrissur district secretary K. V. Abdul Khader announced on social media that the party would build the house for Velayudhan, who he said was insulted by Gopi. Khader added that the work would commence the following day.

Gopi acknowledged the CPM's response, noting that at least a political party had come forward to help. While he suggested that the controversy had political motivations, he welcomed the outcome, stating that he was glad it had brought assistance to the elderly man. "People who have been watching this for the last two years have come forward to provide a house now at least because of me. I believe that real solutions, not political games, have a place in people's struggles," he stated.