Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) first-ever MP from Kerela, Suresh Gopi, denied reports claiming he did not want to be a part of the Modi government and intended to "get relieved" of this burden.
Social media was ablaze with rumors that Suresh Gopi intended to resign from his position as Minister of State in the Modi 3.0 administration, only hours after he was sworn in. While Gopi left it to the party to decide, he told Malayalam TV channels, "I want to work as an MP. My stand was that I didn’t want it (Cabinet berth). I had told (the party) that I was not interested in it (Cabinet berth)."
Suresh Gopi's Commitment to Thrissur
The Malayalam actor added, "The people of Thrissur know very well. I will perform very well as an MP. I want to act in films. Let the party decide." Actor-turned-politician Gopi allegedly stated that he has signed films and must complete them at all costs. He also stated that he wants to be removed from his position and serve as an MP for the people of Thrissur. In addition, Gopi is a passionate actor who does not want to give up on his work. He is now working on a few projects. He received a call to join the Council of Ministers, therefore for the time being he is "obeying Modi's decision".
When reporters asked whether he chose the Minister of State (MoS) post considering his film commitments, a smiling Gopi said, "Nothing was demanded. I had told (them) that I don't want this. I feel that I will be relieved without delay."
He had also mentioned his wish to work with other ministers to construct an AIIMS in Kerala and carry out his duty as an MP during his Sunday night conversation with two Malayalam news networks. Notably, one of Gopi's election campaign slogans was "A Union Minister for Thrissur, Modi's guarantee." George Kurian, a senior BJP politician, is the other MoS from Kerala.
"A few media platforms are spreading the incorrect news that I am going to resign from the Council of Ministers of the Modi Government. This is grossly incorrect. Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are committed to the development and prosperity of Kerala," Suresh Gopi tweeted. Gopi became victorious in the Lok Sabha elections, defeating V S Sunilkumar of the Communist Party of India by a margin of 74,000 votes. K Muraleedharan, a prominent Congress politician, finished third in the three-way match.
“I am obeying my Prime Minister and my Home Minister -- my national leaders,” he had said.
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