Minister Bindu Krishna Deflects Media Questions Over Vellappally Visit With Sarcasm

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister Bindu Krishna has drawn criticism after visiting SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellapally Natesan at his residence, with the controversy deepening after photographs from the visit — showing the minister standing with folded hands before Vellapally as he placed his hand on her head in a gesture of blessing — were published on Vellapally's official Facebook page.

When reporters asked whether it was appropriate to visit Vellapally, given that Congress had strongly criticised him during the previous government's tenure, the minister responded with mockery rather than a substantive answer. She deflected by wishing everyone a "Happy World Milk Day" and walked away from the question. When pressed further, she asked reporters to limit their questions to matters pertaining to her department.

Criticism has come from within the UDF alliance itself. Youth Congress General Secretary V P Dulqifil said it was wrong for the minister to visit a leader who had made communally charged remarks, and that political propriety was expected of someone in her position. Senior Congress leaders have also joined the debate on social media, with divisions emerging within the front over the visit