CPI(M) Open to Dialogue With Actor Mammootty Amid Social Media Row
Thiruvananthapuram, October 30: The CPI(M) has responded to a social media controversy involving its youth leaders and superstar Mammootty by stating that it is open to dialogue with the actor. Kerala state secretary M.V. Govindan said on Friday that the party would maintain good relations with Mammootty and talk to him.
Govindan said the party's communication was not confined to the Student Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). The CPI(M) itself, he said, would engage with major personalities such as Mammootty, whom he called a great actor with worldwide recognition.
“Mammootty is an actor recognised across the world. It is possible that we have criticised him in the past, but that criticism should be seen in a creative manner,” he said.
Govindan added that the party had chosen to reach out to people beyond political ideology. If Mammootty was willing to speak with the party, he asked, why should the party refuse? “Why should we decline to talk to him if he is ready to talk to us? There should be good dialogue with him and others like him,” he said.
His statement follows continuing debate on social media about the actor's meetings with CPI(M) and DYFI leaders.
The row started when M. Vijin, DYFI state secretary and MLA, shared a photo with Mammootty on social media with the caption “25-year-old youth, 50 years of experience.” After the post, a section of Left supporters began criticising it, and some questioned the party's association with the actor.
During the debate, an earlier matter involving K. Rafeeq, CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary, was also revisited. It related to a meeting held during the actor's visit to Wayanad in connection with relief housing activities.
Govindan's remarks are being viewed as a clear move by the party's state leadership to address the controversy. They suggest the CPI(M) does not want online criticism to affect its ties with Mammootty.
Mammootty continues to hold the position of founding chairman of Kairali TV, a channel backed by the CPI(M).