'Pinarayi and VD Satheesan attended the wedding too, why target Mammootty alone? Friendship is above everything'

THRISSUR: BJP state vice-president B Gopalakrishnan has reacted to the cyberattacks against actor Mammootty over his visit to the BJP leader's house for his daughter's wedding. He said the attacks were being carried out by certain divisive forces that did not want people in Kerala to live together in harmony. Friendship, he said, transcends politics, caste, religion, language, colour and attire.

Although Mammootty had been invited to the wedding, he could not attend the function. He later visited Gopalakrishnan's house in Thrissur and congratulated the newlyweds. Pictures of the visit went viral on social media, triggering severe cyberattacks against the actor. B Gopalakrishnan said such friendships had existed in Kerala across generations, but some people were now trying to destroy them. He added that such relationships should instead be seen as examples for others to follow.

"Mammootty is not being attacked online by cyber comrades but by people with specific interests. Leaders of the CPM had also attended the wedding. Respected former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was there. The present Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala also attended. Several prominent Congress leaders and the CPM district secretary were present. Why is Mammootty being singled out?" Gopalakrishnan asked.

He also said that prominent CPM workers from Kannur had visited his house two days before the wedding and helped with the preparations.

"Former minister R Bindu also visited my house as she could not attend the wedding. Many people from different political parties attended the function," he said.