Thrissur: Union Minister Suresh Gopi revealed on Thursday that even his status as a Minister of State did not exempt him from rigorous security protocols, disclosing that he was frisked at four separate locations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s programme in Kochi on Wednesday.

"People accompanying me told the SPG that I am a Minister of State, but they insisted on checking," Gopi told reporters. Emphasising his familiarity with Special Protection Group (SPG) procedures, he noted that he had carried his Aadhaar card, passport, and driving licence to ensure smooth entry. He also recounted an instance in which security personnel inspected his waist after a metal detector flagged his belt buckle.

Also read: HC disqualifies Vellappally Natesan from SNDP Yogam General Secretary's post

His remarks came as he brushed aside the controversy regarding the state government’s decision to boycott the PM's event. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet stayed away after PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas was excluded from the dais.

Gopi maintained that the seating on the dais was strictly governed by the "Blue Book" protocol. He argued that the Centre had informed the state that arrangements would follow these standard VVIP security manuals. "If the state government had responded saying that they want a concerned minister to be included, the arrangements would have been made accordingly," he said, adding that the CPM was merely using the exclusion for political leverage.

Also read: PM Modi flags off new train service between Palakkad and Pollachi virtually

Addressing allegations by Kerala Minister M.B. Rajesh regarding the SPG seeking his Aadhaar card at a previous event, Gopi insisted there was nothing unusual about such demands, noting that even Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously been asked to produce identification.

Turning to local politics, Gopi commented on reports of veteran CPM leader G. Sudhakaran potentially contesting as an independent. While Gopi admitted to offering "moral support" to an "emotionally sad" Sudhakaran, he clarified that no political discussions regarding joining the BJP had taken place. When asked whether the BJP had held talks with CPI MLA C. C. Mukundan, who was expelled from his party, he said it was natural for discussions to take place when a leader decided to leave a party. However, he added that it was up to the individual to decide which party to join. (With inputs from Agencies)