'Over confidence of Kerala in handling COVID-19 led to spurt in cases in 2 districts'
His remarks drew the ire of state minister KadakampallySurendran, who asked him to evaluate the situation in Gujarat,Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, where coronaviruscases are on the rise, and to concentrate on bringing backexpats stuck in various countries.
Muraleedharan, in a Facebook post on April 28 had saidthat Kerala was "on cloud nine" when it declared Idukki andKottayam as two districts in the green zone.
"However, hours after this we saw a spurt in fresh casesin these districts. Thegovernment was not cautious andinstead went applauding themselves and landed in trouble.
Instead of engaging in PR activities, they should haveconcentrated in handling the pandemic," he posted.
Slamming the union minister and BJP leader for hiscomments, Surendran asked him to urge other states to followthe Kerala model.
"Gujarat is the home state of our Prime Minister NarendraModi and COVID-19 cases are on the rise there.
Most of the major cities in the country are badlyaffected by the pandemic.
The national capital Delhi is right under theirnose.Theyhave all the power and authority to do whateverthey want.Still the pandemic is uncontrollable there," Surendran said.
He also said if there were some shortcomings on Kerala'spart in handling theCOVID-19 fight, anyone, including theunion minister, can point it out.
Most districts in Kerala share borders with other states,Surendran said and referred to Idukki.
"Idukki hasgot numerous forest paths to the state fromTamil Nadu.
Some of the people who are affected in Kerala came fromother states.
There are many cases in Ahemedabad.
Is it because that city is not under lockdown?,"Surendran asked.
The Union minister should have understood the realitybefor making such comments, he said. RRT APRRAVINDRANATH APRRAVINDRANATH