Mammootty faces backlash over visit to BJP leader's home for daughter's wedding

Malayalam superstar Mammootty has come under widespread criticism on social media after visiting the home of BJP state vice-president B Gopalakrishnan following his daughter's wedding. The critics argue that the actor should not maintain such close relations with someone who, according to them, holds a divisive and communal ideology.The online attacks were primarily from Left-leaning handles and the BJP leader hit back, saying personal relations should not be viewed through political lenses. Meanwhile, senior CPI(M) leaders have distanced the party from the controversy, insisting that those targeting the actor do not represent the organisation.Mammootty visited Gopalakrishnan's home in Thrissur on Sunday evening, after missing his daughter's wedding, which was held at Guruvayur on November 1. Videos of the actor's visit subsequently circulated on social media, triggering criticism from several users.The wedding was attended by several prominent political leaders cutting across party lines, besides celebrities. Among those present were Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and Union and state ministers. Gopalakrishnan said leaders and functionaries from different political parties, including CPI(M) veterans and Left leaders, had attended the wedding on Novermber 1. A section of social media users argued that Mammootty should not maintain a friendship with a BJP leader. Others recalled an earlier incident in which the actor had asked a CPI(M) leader not to accompany him during a visit to a township set up for landslide victims. At the time, Mammootty reportedly said his visit should not be portrayed as being associated with the Left party. Drawing a comparison, critics are now questioning why the actor's association with a BJP leader should not similarly be seen as a political connection."Aren’t you afraid that others might think Mammootty is a supporter of Gopalakrishnan? Mammootty is a complete hypocrite," a user, Rahul Rajan, asked on Facebook. "What was so special about him (Gopalakrishnan) that Mammootty, who is regarded as one of Kerala's biggest communalists, chose to visit his house and wish his daughter on her wedding?" another user asked.At the same time, several others rallied behind Mammootty. They argued that the four-time National Award-winning actor was a "common asset" of Kerala and should not be bracketed politically.Condemning the online criticism, BJP leader Gopalakrishnan said certain forces were attempting to undermine the tradition of personal relationships and harmony in Kerala by bringing political differences into family occasions.Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader said friendship transcended political affiliations, religion, caste, language, dress and colour. He maintained that such relationships should be encouraged rather than subjected to political scrutiny."Friendship has always existed in Keralam. Of late, some people have been trying to destroy this bond. I consider such gestures as an example that should be emulated," he said.Gopalakrishnan said he was particularly happy that Mammootty had made it a point to visit his house and bless the newly married couple despite being unable to attend the wedding ceremony.CPI(M) CONDEMNS CYBER ATTACKSenior CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac sought to distance the party from the criticism directed at Mammootty, saying those involved in the online attacks were not party activists."The cyber followers are the main players behind this. They are not the CPI(M). The party has its own official handles, official positions and leaders. In the present situation, anyone can claim to speak on behalf of the CPI(M). The party secretary himself has clarified this," Isaac said.Describing Mammootty as one of the most respected personalities in Kerala, Isaac said the actor continued to maintain close relations with the Left and that the CPI(M) wanted to preserve that relationship."The CPI(M) wants to maintain such a relationship with him. Those associated with the party, whether on social media or otherwise, should act keeping this perspective in mind. Those who do not follow this approach do not represent the CPI(M)," he added.CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan had also disowned the online attacks against Mammootty on Friday, saying the party had neither authorised nor had any interest in targeting the veteran actor.Responding to questions from the media about the alleged cyberbullying of Mammootty and leaders of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Govindan said the party did not believe in organising coordinated attacks against individuals."Mammootty is a legendary Malayalam actor known across the world. He might have criticised certain things, but we view such criticism constructively. The CPI(M) believes in engaging in a healthy dialogue with those who agree with us as well as those who disagree. We are not into ganging up against anyone," he said.Govindan also said party representatives would reach out to people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political affiliations and that such interactions would not be restricted to people associated with the SFI and DYFI.MAMMOOTTY-ONLINE LEFT FRICTIONThe latest controversy comes against the backdrop of a series of online exchanges involving Mammootty and Left-leaning social media users over the past several months.The actor had faced similar criticism in March this year following his visit to the newly constructed township for survivors of the Wayanad landslides. During the visit, Mammootty was seen asking CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary K Rafeeq why he was accompanying him, reportedly remarking that people might think he had come on behalf of the Left leader.The video clip went viral, triggering sharp reactions from Left-leaning social media handles, with several users accusing the actor of insulting Rafeeq. Some supporters also drew comparisons between Mammootty's interactions with BJP leaders and his reported remarks about the CPI(M) district secretary.The controversy escalated to the extent that then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly apologised to Mammootty over the online backlash. The actor also spoke to Rafeeq through a video call following the incident.The criticism resurfaced more recently after leaders of the SFI and DYFI met Mammootty at his home and shared photographs of their interaction on social media. Several pro-Left handles questioned the leaders for meeting the actor, recalling the Wayanad incident and arguing that Mammootty had not apologised for his alleged remarks about Rafeeq.Some users said the party leadership should not overlook the episode, with one comment stating, "Party Secretary and party is above any superstar for us." Others shared photographs of Mammootty posing with BJP leaders, alleging that he was comfortable associating with leaders of the saffron party but had an issue with Left leaders.The criticism has continued despite the CPI(M) leadership repeatedly clarifying that such online attacks do not reflect the party's official position.Mammootty, a National Award-winning actor and one of the most prominent personalities in Malayalam cinema, is also the chairman of Kairali TV, the television channel associated with the CPI(M). He has generally been regarded as a fellow traveller of the Marxist party.- Ends