Amid growing speculation about her candidature in the upcoming assembly elections, Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday attended her first public program after the alleged attack on her by KSU activists.
With a collar around his neck, the Minister inaugurated the Arogyam Anandam Fest at Pathanamthitta. Addressing the rally, she alleged that the LDF government had overseen an unprecedented expansion of infrastructure in the state’s health sector and alleged that concerted attempts were being made to weaken the public health system.
“In Pathanamthitta itself, there has been significant expansion of health infrastructure, including medical education facilities and cath labs, among others,” the minister said.
The incident gained prominence with reports that the minister’s husband George Joseph had approached the CPI(M) leadership not to field her in the upcoming assembly elections citing family reasons. According to sources, the issue was discussed at the CPI(M) district secretariat meeting on Monday and has since been brought to the notice of the state leadership.
Final decision aside
Since Ms. George is an invitee to the CPI(M) state committee, the final decision rests with the party’s state leadership, which is expected to demand an explanation from both the minister and her husband.
Ms. George, the sitting MLA from Aranmula, has already been recommended by the CPI(M) state committee for another term in the constituency, with the district committee also endorsing her candidature. She first won from Aranmula in 2016 and retained the seat in 2021. In 2019, she contested the Lok Sabha election from Pathanamthitta but was defeated.
Meanwhile, the decision on her candidature is equally crucial for the UDF, which is yet to find a suitable challenger in Aranmula. Although several names were considered, many were dropped after assessing their electoral viability.
The UDF’s strategy was to field a candidate capable of countering Ms George’s strong personal connections and political influence in the constituency. Community considerations also figured prominently in the negotiations.
The state leadership is taking the selection of Aranmula seriously. Among the names being discussed is that of Abin Varkey, the National Secretary of the Youth Congress, although no agreement has yet been reached. During these discussions, the possibility of a seat swap with the Congress in Kerala was also explored, with the Congress interested in taking over the Thiruvalla seat as part of such an arrangement.
Published – March 3, 2026 8:33 PM IST
