Suresh Gopi backtracks on Thrissur AIIMS remark again, says ‘never promised’ it during poll campaign

Union Minister Suresh Gopi has appeared to backtrack again on his earlier remarks regarding the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Thrissur, Keralam, insisting that he never uttered a word about bringing the premier institution to the district during his election campaign.

“I have not uttered even a single word about AIIMS in any election campaign. You can go through all my speeches,” Mr Gopi said, responding to questions about his earlier statements.

The Minister, however, said he stood with the people of Thrissur who wanted an AIIMS in the district, while maintaining that the project could become a reality only if the Kerala government took the necessary initiative.

“There is land available at Mannuthy and at the Police Academy for establishing an AIIMS. I have also come to know that around 400 acres of land in Mattathur panchayat, where the lease period has expired, could be available. The previous government showed great reluctance in this matter. At least the present government should not display the same reluctance,” he said.