CPI(M) has no links with online attacks against Mammootty, says M.V. Govindan

CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan | Photo Credit: The Hindu The CPI(M) does not have any links with the online attacks on actor Mammootty, CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan has said, adding that “the party was for a healthy dialogue with everyone.”At a press conference here on Friday, Mr. Govindan was responding to the attack on the actor from allegedly Left-leaning cyber handles after DYFI, SFI leaders met the actor recently. “The party has never decided to initiate any online attack,” he said.Mammootty had been targetted earlier this year after a video showed the actor, who was visiting the Wayanad model township built for landslide survivors, telling CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary K. Rafeeq to move aside as people might assume that his visit was organised by the CPI(M).“The SFI and DYFI have won a lot of nationwide approval in the fight against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In that context, there is no reason to decide not to visit Mammootty. Not just the SFI and DYFI, CPI(M) leaders are planning to call on writers, scientists, artists, intellectuals and actors in person,” he said. The CPI(M) State secretary described Mammootty as an internationally-renowned Malayalam actor whose recognition as an artist is of great significance. “The Left front too has faced criticism on occasions. We see such criticism as constructive criticism. That is how it should be. The CPI(M) is a party that feels that it should have a healthy dialogue with the tens of thousands of people who agree or disagree with it,” he said.On G. Sudhakaran’s criticism on SARALOn CPI(M) dissident and UDF-backed Independent MLA G. Sudhakaran’s criticism of the UDF government’s SARAL (Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approvals and Licensing) Keralam Bill, 2026, said Mr. Sudhakaran had shared the LDF’s opinion of the Bill.“SARAL Bill is aimed at destroying our farmlands and major watersheds for the benefit of corporate interests. We don’t have to disagree when individuals in the ruling front, including Mr. Sudhakaran, says it is objectionable,” Mr. Govindan said.The Bill was passed in the Keralam Assembly on Thursday.On the UDF government’s decision to order a Vigilance probe into the land acquisition in Kannur initiated through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Mr. Govindan said that Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar had informed the Assembly that the acquisition was legally done. Published - October 30, 2026 12:18 pm IST