Welcoming Minister K Muraleedharan in hospital with party flags, slogans spark widespread criticism

KOLLAM: The incident of according reception to Health Minister K Muraleedharan inside a government hospital with party flags and shouting slogans, is sparking a controversy. The incident happened on Tuesday at the taluk hospital in Punalur. The minister, who visited the hospital, was welcomed by the NGO organisation by draping a shawl and slogans of support.

Nurses and patients were there at that time. However, the minister neither stopped those who had come to receive him nor refused to accept their welcome. Instead, he accepted the reception with a smile.

The visuals of the incident have triggered widespread criticism against the minister. The backlash comes despite the minister's earlier warning that hospitals should not be used for political propaganda. The minister had criticized organizations, including the DYFI, for distributing food packets in hospital premises under party banners. He had taken a firm stand then that food distribution with political flags or party identities would not be permitted inside hospitals.

However, in the latest incident, supporters of his own party welcomed the minister inside the hospital by shouting slogans.