A dramatic scene unfolded in Pallikkathodu, Kottayam, on Wednesday morning when an elderly man made a determined effort to hand a petition directly to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi. The incident, which created moments of high tension, occurred around 9 a.m. as the Minister was concluding a public interaction program known as ‘Kalunk Souhrida Samvadam’.
The man, identified as Shaji from Pallikkathodu, reportedly darted towards Mr. Gopi’s vehicle as it was about to depart. After failing to open the car door, Shaji positioned himself in front of the vehicle, steadfastly insisting that the Minister receive his petition. This prompted a swift response from both police personnel and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who moved him aside. While some BJP workers initially tried to physically remove Mr. Shaji, other senior leaders stepped in to ensure his safety.
According to BJP officials present, the public interaction session had run from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Mr. Shaji had attended the discussions throughout, but his sudden approach to the Minister’s vehicle with a stack of papers, claiming they were a petition, was unexpected.
In the aftermath, BJP leaders voiced strong concerns, labeling the incident a serious security breach. They have since filed a formal complaint with the Pallikkathodu police, urging a comprehensive investigation into the matter.