Former Film Co-Stars Turned Politicians: Ganesh Kumar and Suresh Gopi's Public Feud
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Synopsis
In a dramatic clash, Kerala politicians and ex-film stars K.B. Ganesh Kumar and Suresh Gopi are embroiled in a public spat, mixing politics with cinematic flair. The feud began with Gopi's media confrontations and escalated with sharp exchanges regarding a symbolic police cap.
Key Takeaways
- Former film co-stars now in political conflict
- Public spat highlights tensions in Kerala's politics
- Media confrontations spark controversy
- Symbolic gestures lead to public protests
- Fusion of cinema and politics in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, April 9 (NationPress) Two influential Kerala politicians and former film co-stars -- State Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar and Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi -- are currently embroiled in a public feud that has taken to the streets.
Both of these actors-turned-politicians are well-known for their fiery personalities and sharp remarks, having appeared together in numerous Malayalam films. However, they now find themselves on opposing political sides and are clashing openly.
The latest controversy ignited when Suresh Gopi, who also serves as Lok Sabha MP from Thrissur, engaged in heated exchanges with the media. Recently, he has been making headlines for his confrontations with journalists. A week ago, he lost his temper when a reporter from CPI(M)-backed Kairali TV posed a question to him.
The following day, he asked reporters to vacate the venue during a public event, which drew further backlash.
In response, State Minister Ganesh Kumar took a jab at Gopi, stating that since Gopi portrayed a police officer in a hit film, he has begun keeping an IPS cap in his car. “Maybe it’s time for someone to shout ‘cut’ on his act,” Kumar quipped.
Supporters of Gopi retaliated by sharing an old video from 2014, where the actor presented that same police cap to a young boy who had made headlines after being assaulted. Gopi had fulfilled the boy’s request to meet him and joined in celebrating his birthday.
Kumar, however, was not impressed, stating, “What should have been done was to auction that cap and give the proceeds to the boy. What will the child do with a police cap?” he retorted.
This exchange triggered protests in Pathanapuram, Ganesh Kumar’s constituency, where BJP activists marched to his residence on Wednesday, chanting slogans and clashing with police.
The political drama between these two stars has introduced a theatrical element to Kerala’s political scene, merging cinema and politics in a quintessentially Kerala manner.
