BJP's Suresh Gopi Under Fire: Viral Video Shows Actor-Politician Pushing Away Elderly Man's Hand, CPM Steps In With Housing Promise

A storm of controversy has erupted around actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, the BJP candidate for the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, following a widely circulated video that shows him seemingly rebuffing an elderly man's heartfelt plea. The incident, which unfolded during a public interaction in Thrissur, has drawn widespread condemnation and ignited a fresh political debate in Kerala.

The viral footage captures Kavungaprambil Mani, an 82-year-old daily wage labourer from Anjur in Anthikad, attempting to convey his desperate need for a house to Gopi.

As Mani reached out, ostensibly to touch Gopi’s hand while speaking, the BJP leader can be seen distinctly pushing the elderly man's hand away before turning his attention elsewhere. The visuals, stark and unsettling, quickly spread across social media platforms, triggering an immediate and intense backlash.

Critics, including political rivals and concerned citizens, swiftly condemned Gopi's actions as "arrogant," "inhumane," and "insensitive." Many expressed dismay that a public figure, especially one campaigning for electoral office, would display such apparent disregard for the plight of a vulnerable constituent.

The incident quickly became a symbol of the perceived disconnect between politicians and the common people they aim to represent.

The veteran actor, known for his fiery on-screen persona, later offered an explanation, stating that it was an accidental movement as he was attempting to check if his car door was properly shut.

However, this clarification did little to quell the public outcry, with many arguing that the visual evidence suggested a more deliberate dismissal of Mani’s plea.

In a swift and politically astute move, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) seized the opportunity to highlight the contrast.

M M Varghese, the Thrissur District Secretary of the CPM, promptly visited Kavungaprambil Mani at his dilapidated residence. Following the visit, Varghese announced a heartwarming promise: the CPM would take on the responsibility of constructing a new house for the elderly man, ensuring he no longer has to live in his crumbling home.

This gesture by the CPM was widely lauded as a compassionate response, starkly contrasting Gopi's perceived indifference and further amplifying the pressure on the BJP candidate.

Kavungaprambil Mani’s story is particularly poignant. A daily wage earner, he has reportedly been living in a house in a state of severe disrepair.

The recent loss of his wife and the fact that he has no children further underscore his vulnerability. He had approached Gopi with genuine hope, believing the politician might offer a solution to his dire housing situation. His disappointment and the subsequent public outcry serve as a powerful reminder of the expectations ordinary citizens place on their elected representatives.

As Kerala gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, this incident has undeniably added a new dimension to the political narrative in Thrissur.

While Suresh Gopi continues his campaign, he now faces the challenging task of mitigating the damage caused by the viral video and rebuilding public trust, as political opponents are sure to leverage the incident to their advantage.