Suresh Gopi Expresses Wish to Quit Union Cabinet

Digital Desk

Union Minister and BJP MP from Thrissur, Kerala, Suresh Gopi has publicly expressed his intention to step down from his ministerial post, saying he wishes to return to his film career. Speaking at an event in Kannur, Gopi admitted that serving as a minister has taken a toll on his acting commitments and income.

“I want to resume acting. After becoming a minister, my earnings have completely stopped,” he said, clarifying that he had never sought a ministerial role.

The actor-turned-politician said he had informed journalists even before the 2024 elections that he wasn’t keen on taking up a ministerial position and wanted to continue acting. He also suggested that Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master could be appointed in his place.

Gopi, who joined the BJP in 2008, was appointed Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism after his landmark win in Thrissur — the BJP’s first-ever Lok Sabha victory in Kerala.

Political Career

In the 2024 general elections, Suresh Gopi secured his first electoral victory, defeating CPI’s V. S. Sunil Kumar by over 74,000 votes. It was his third contest — he had previously lost the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections. Congress leader Muralidharan finished third in the 2024 race.

Clarification on the ‘Praja’ Remark

Addressing a recent controversy over his use of the term “Praja” (citizens) to refer to the people of Thrissur, Gopi said his words were misunderstood.

“Just as sanitation workers are now called ‘sanitation engineers,’ I used the word ‘Praja’ in the same spirit. Is it wrong to use words like Praja or Prajatantra (democracy)?” he asked.

Film Career

Suresh Gopi began his journey as a child artist in 1965 and has acted in over 250 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Between 1992 and 1995, he rose to superstardom, becoming one of Malayalam cinema’s most popular action heroes.

He won both the National Film Award and the Kerala State Award in 1998, and later served as a BJP Rajya Sabha MP before contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

Controversies

Gopi has faced occasional controversies, including allegations of misbehavior with a female journalist, a video of which went viral online.

In June 2024, he made headlines after describing former Kerala Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar as his “political guru” and referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as the “Mother of India.”

He also acknowledged both K. Karunakaran and E.K. Nayanar — leaders from opposing parties — as his political mentors, recalling the close family ties he shared with them.