In a recent visit to the newly constructed rehabilitation township for survivors of the 2024 Wayanad landslide, popular actor Mammootty found himself at the center of a political storm. The township, inaugurated last week by the Left government as a significant achievement ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, was built in Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad.
Accompanying Mammootty during his tour of the township on Saturday was CPI(M) district secretary K Rafeeq. In a video that surfaced online, Mammootty could be seen questioning Rafeeq about his constant presence, stating, “Why are you always standing with me? People may think I have come for you.”
Later, during an interaction with the media, Mammootty expressed his views on the project, stating, “It is the money of the people of Kerala. It is our project and Kerala’s social capital.” When asked about the likelihood of public support for the CPI(M)-led LDF government, he remained neutral, saying, “That is not known.”
The incident has put the CPI(M) in a delicate position as they grapple with balancing their relationship with Mammootty, who has been a prominent figure at numerous government functions, and the sentiments of party workers who have rallied behind Rafeeq.
CPI(M) leader and Public Works Minister P A Muhammed Riyas came to Rafeeq’s defense, stating that district secretaries do not intrude uninvited. “He (Rafeeq) is also a social worker who has been active in the entire effort [of rehabilitation in Wayanad]. Mammootty is also a person who recognises all such persons irrespective of their politics,” Riyas said.
In response to the incident, Rafeeq posted on his Facebook page that he was already at the township for another event and intervened when Mammootty arrived.
The visit by Mammootty to the Wayanad rehabilitation township has sparked a political debate, with questions being raised about the role of party leaders in government functions and the relationship between politicians and celebrities.
