Rejection of plea for house repair was a mistake, says Suresh Gopi

Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Wednesday (September 17, 2025) said that rejection of the petition submitted by Kochu Velayudhan, seeking assistance for house repair, was a mistake from his side.

Speaking at the ‘Kalungu Souhruda Samvadam’ (an informal interactive meeting with people) held in Kodungallur, he said some were trying to use that rejection to attack him, but such attempts would not succeed.

“Denying one petition doesn’t mean anyone can think they can extinguish this fireball. If Bharat Chandran had the courage, Suresh Gopi too has it,” he said, referring to his famous role in a Malayalam film Commissioner.

“There’s an allegation that I’m always living in my film roles, never stepping out of them. People applauded and made that film run for 100 days because they wanted it — so no, I will not step out of the role,” he added.

He asserted that he would continue his outreach programmes across all 14 districts despite attempts to silence him.

Mr. Gopi added that Kochu Velayudhan getting a house was a good thing and that denying petitions cannot be used for political point-scoring.

The minister’s refusal to accept Kochu Velayudhan’s petition had earlier triggered controversy, prompting him to clarify that the matter was not within his jurisdiction.