PC George at Narendra Modi’s run kicks up row

Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP’s ‘Run for Unity’ has kicked up a row with Government Chief Whip P.C. George attending its function at Kottayam. While BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi maintained that those who had criticized George were narrow minded, Congress spokesperson Pandalam Sudhakaran demanded appropriate action against George, who is often known for his brush with controversies.

George, sporting a saffron coloured shawl flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ marathon called by Gujarat chief minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, to mobilize support for the construction of the world’s tallest iron statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel on the banks of the Narmada river in Gujarat.

The marathon, organized by the Kottayam district unit of the BJP, was flagged off by George at 9:30 a.m. in front of the collectorate. George who was seen exchanging pleasantries with local BJP leaders was presented a T-shirt which had the picture of Modi on either side, which he handed over it to a little girl after the inauguration.P.C.George said he had not formally attended a BJP-organized show, but had attended it in his capacity as an individual.

“There was nothing wrong in attending the marathon. I was told of the  construction of the world's tallest statue and I went for it. I attended a programme meant to honour Sardar Patel, a noted Congress leader. I have high regard for the ‘Iron man of India’ ”, George said.

Lekhi who was in the capital city, later addressed a press meet and said the criticism showed the Congress’s attitude towards Sardar Patel.

BJP president V. Muraleedharan and actor Suresh Gopi also defended George’s action. The actor told reporters in Kollam that Sardar Patel was on par with Mahatma Gandhi. “There is nothing wrong in George flagging off the BJP’s ‘Run for Unity’ marathon”, added Gopi.

Meanwhile Pandalam Sudhakaran said what George perhaps forgot was that he was also the Chief Whip of Kerala's ruling front.

"This is totally unacceptable. The Congress leadership including Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala and KC (M) chairman K.M. Mani should take appropriate action against George. Also, his party should take immediate action against him. If such a thing had happened in the Congress, he or she would have been immediately ousted," said Sudhakaran.

George’s bete noire, Francis George told reporters that the KC (M) should take a call on George’s action, but added that his personal opinion was that the Chief Whip should quit. UDF leaders also said George’s decision to flag off the marathon was most unwarranted and should have been avoided.