Sat Sep 20 11:52:29 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal criticizes the Kerala government for hypocrisy in organizing the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, alleging it’s an election ploy considering their past actions regarding Sabarimala. He also accuses the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board of misleading the High Court about the event’s organization and funding. Furthermore, he urges the Union government to approve an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for Alappuzha, highlighting the state’s neglect in receiving one and the district’s need for advanced healthcare.

**News Article:**

**Congress Leader Slams Kerala Govt’s Ayyappa Event, Demands AIIMS for Alappuzha**

**Alappuzha, September 20, 2025** – Congress MP K.C. Venugopal today launched a scathing critique of the Kerala government’s planned Global Ayyappa Sangamam, branding it as hypocritical and politically motivated. Speaking to the media in Alappuzha, Venugopal accused the government of exploiting religious sentiments for electoral gain, particularly in light of their past actions regarding the Sabarimala temple.

“A government that couldn’t even safeguard the gold offerings at Sabarimala is now organizing this Sangamam,” Venugopal stated. “This is clearly aimed at elections, not an expression of love towards Lord Ayyappa or his devotees.”

He further accused both the state government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) of misleading the Kerala High Court regarding the event’s organization and funding, claiming the government had taken over the event despite initially claiming it was a TDB initiative.

Beyond the Sangamam controversy, Venugopal reiterated his demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for Alappuzha district, stating that Kerala remains the only state yet to receive one. He emphasized the urgent need for advanced healthcare facilities in Alappuzha, citing the prevalence of water-borne diseases.

“The Union government has already stated that if the State demands it, an AIIMS will be sanctioned for Alappuzha. That promise must be honoured,” said Venugopal.

The Alappuzha MP confirmed he has written to both Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, identifying three suitable government-owned plots for the proposed AIIMS, thus removing any potential obstacles to its construction. The lack of movement on this issue continues to frustrate Kerala residents.

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