Minister Sivankutty Counters Venugopal's 'Boys' Govt' Remark, Says Left Belongs to Everyone

Kannur: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty countered Congress leader K C Venugopal’s remark about a “boys’ government,” saying the Left‑front government belongs to everyone, including women and girls. Yesterday, Venugopal claimed that after next year’s Assembly elections in Kerala, a “government of boys”—a reference to the Congress‑led United Democratic Front (UDF)—would come to power. He made the remark in Alappuzha, alleging that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government delayed raising social‑welfare pensions, despite the government having fulfilled its commitment by increasing the amount to Rs 2,000 for over 62 lakh beneficiaries.
The comment drew sharp criticism and trolling on social media, with many users describing it as patriarchal and dismissive of gender equality. Numerous online reactions highlighted the inclusive governance and welfare initiatives of the LDF.
Without directly referring to Venugopal's statement, Sivankutty on Monday shared photos of himself consoling a girl who began crying after presenting a portrait during the inauguration of development projects at Cheruthazham Government Higher Secondary School in Kannur district. He wrote: “When girls are wearing crowns and standing at the top of the world… why should Nihara dear cry? I asked, ‘Why are you crying, dear?’ and held her until a smile appeared on her face. Dear child, this world belongs to girls too — and this government belongs to everyone, including the girls.”
Sivankutty’s remarks emphasized that the LDF government is inclusive and not a “boys’ government,” giving equal importance to all sections of society, including women and girls. The statement also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to social welfare and education initiatives.