Plea ignored, hope rebuilt: CPI(M) delivers new house to Kochu Velayudhan in record time

Kochu Velayudhan of Pullu, whose plea for help was once returned unopened, has finally found a place to call home. In a striking turn of events, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has built a new house for him in just 75 days, restoring dignity and security to a family that had been left waiting for help.

The keys to the newly constructed house were handed over by CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan on Sunday. Visibly moved, Kochu Velayudhan and his family described the moment as one of immense happiness. The house, built at a cost of ₹11.5 lakh, was funded through contributions collected by the CPI(M) workers of the Cherpu area at the local level.

Kochu Velayudhan’s tile-roofed house was destroyed after a coconut tree fell on it in 2023. Despite knocking on several doors, he received no assistance. In desperation, he approached the Kalungu Samvadam, a public outreach programme led by Union Minister Suresh Gopi organised as part of a development dialogue initiative. The event was held in Pullu–Chemmapilly areas of Thrissur.

Turned away

Carrying his application in an envelope, Kochu Velayudhan handed it to the Union Minister. According to witnesses, the envelope was returned without being opened, with the response that “such matters were not the responsibility of an MP and that he should approach the panchayat instead.” The incident triggered criticism, with many pointing out that the grievance could at least have been heard, or that the petitioner’s age could have been respected.

Soon after, CPI(M) Thrissur district secretary K.V. Abdul Khader announced that the party would take responsibility for building Kochu Velayudhan a house. Funds were mobilised by local party workers at Cherpu, and construction was completed in a record 75 days.

From a collapsed single-room dwelling to a newly built house, Kochu Velayudhan and his family have now stepped into a new chapter—one shaped by collective effort, political intervention, and with a sense of belonging restored.