Thiruvananthapuram: Minister V.N. Vasavan has dismissed and ridiculed opposition calls for Health Minister Veena George’s resignation following the tragic building collapse at Kottayam Medical College Hospital that claimed the life of a woman.

Speaking to reporters, Vasavan asked sarcastically whether the Health Minister had personally pushed over the structure. “Are we now to believe that it was the minister who toppled the building?” he questioned.

The minister further challenged the logic behind such resignation demands. “If an accident occurs, must a minister resign immediately? When a plane crash happens, should the Prime Minister step down? Is that what’s being suggested?” he asked.

Referring to the tragic incident in Bengaluru where 11 people died during a felicitation event for cricket players, Vasavan pointed out that no one demanded the resignation of the officials concerned. “Likewise, in Ahmedabad, after a plane crash, did anyone ask for the Prime Minister’s resignation? If there’s a road accident, should the Transport Minister quit?” he added.

Vasavan alleged that the protests against the Health Minister are politically motivated, aimed at gaining mileage ahead of elections.

He clarified that the collapsed building was an ageing structure and that steps to prevent such incidents had already been initiated based on risk assessments. However, the collapse occurred before the completion of those safety measures. “The incident is deeply unfortunate and painful for everyone. What matters now is to find a solution. Discussions in that direction are underway,” he said.

The minister also confirmed that financial assistance for the family of the deceased, Bindu, will be decided in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Standing firmly behind the superintendent of Kottayam Medical College, Dr Jayakumar, Minister Vasavan defended him against what he called baseless accusations. “Dr Jayakumar only shared the information he had with the ministers on site. It is wrong to malign his reputation,” Vasavan asserted.

He went on to praise Dr Jayakumar, calling him one of the finest thoracic surgeons in India. “He is honest, diligent, and even donates a portion of his salary to patients. For many, he is nothing short of a god. To spread slander about such a person is utterly unjust,” he concluded.