Congress slams actor Suresh Gopi for 'pro-saffron' leaning

The official daily of Congress in Kerala on January 16 made a no-holds-barred attack on Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi for his recent controversial speech in which he reportedly exhorted Hindus to work for removing hurdles in the way of the Vizhinjam Harbour project.

In a sharply-worded editorial, the daily, 'Veekshnam', alleged that Suresh Gopi's recent posturing and statements betrayed his eagerness to please the leaders of the BJP and affiliates.

"There is nothing wrong in film stars entering politics. But it is dangerous if they spew communal venom to secure their goals", the Congress daily said.

Known for his "angry-young-man" roles in many Malayalam blockbusters, Suresh Gopi had recently lavished praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This has been widely interpreted as signs of him moving close to the BJP.

While addressing a demonstration at Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram, the actor had reportedly stated that the Hindu community in the area should come out for removing hurdles in the way of the mega port project, apparently alluding to the campaign against it by local resistance groups with the support of the church.