Mammootty's Visit to BJP Leader's Home Sparks Political Row in Kerala, CPI(M) Defends Actor

Malayalam superstar Mammootty has come under criticism on social media after visiting the residence of BJP Kerala vice-president B Gopalakrishnan following his daughter's wedding, triggering a political controversy in the state.

The actor's visit on Sunday drew criticism from several social media users, apparently supporters of the Left, prompting Gopalakrishnan to come out in his defence and condemn the online attacks.

Gopalakrishnan's daughter got married at Guruvayur on November 1. The wedding was attended by prominent political leaders cutting across party lines, along with several celebrities. Mammootty, who could not make it to the wedding, visited the BJP leader's residence later to bless the newly married couple.

Reacting to the criticism, Gopalakrishnan said personal friendships and relationships should not be viewed through the lens of political affiliations. He alleged that certain forces were attempting to undermine the tradition of harmony in Kerala.

"Friendship has always existed in Keralam. Of late, some people have been trying to destroy this bond," he said, describing Mammootty's visit as a gesture worth emulating.

The BJP leader also pointed out that several prominent Left leaders, including CPI(M) veteran and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had attended the wedding. He cited such occasions as examples of how personal relationships can transcend political differences.

Meanwhile, senior CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac sought to distance the party from the online criticism, saying those attacking the actor did not represent the party or its official position.

He attributed the controversy to social media followers acting independently and said anyone could claim to speak on behalf of the CPI(M) online.

Isaac stressed that Mammootty remained one of Kerala's most respected personalities and continued to share a close relationship with the Left. He added that the party wanted to maintain its association with the actor and urged people connected with it to act accordingly.

The controversy has once again brought attention to the intersection of celebrity, politics and personal relationships in Kerala, where friendships across party lines have often continued despite sharp political differences.