'Will share stage with Padmaja, my tribute to Kalyanikutty Amma'; Suresh Gopi clears air on 'feud' with Padmaja

THRISSUR: Thrissur's BJP candidate and actor Suresh Gopi cleared the air over Padmaja Venugopal's BJP entry saying the former congress leader decided to join BJP on her own without any persuasion from anyone.

“The central leadership accepted the decision to induct Padmaja into the party so I will also accept it.” Suresh Gopi asked Padmaja and Muraleedharan to sort out their differences and he avoided talking about their family matters.

It is reported that Padmaja Venugopal will participate in BJP's campaign programs in the state, especially in Thrissur. BJP will rejuvenate their election campaign with PM Modi's arrival to Kerala on March 15th. Padmaja will either join PM Modi in campaigning or will kick start her works only after PM’s special programs charted for Kerala. Padmaja will campaign mostly in areas with a large female voter base.

Meanwhile, Thrissur's NDA candidate Suresh Gopi has denied reports that Padmaja will not participate in the BJP campaign.

“The central leadership will command what to do and we will work accordingly. Padmaja is like my sister. I will share the stage with her in areas where party demands. This is my tribute to late Kalyanikutty Amma(Padmaja’s mother)” Suresh Gopi said.

Reports surfaced on Tuesday about state leaders being little inspired by Padmaja joining BJP. Even many said Suresh Gopi would easily win in Thrissur even without any campaigning from Padmaja. Rumours started spreading after Suresh Gopi failed to meet Padmaja albeit campaigning in her hometown Ollur. Even Padmaja didn’t make any effort to meet Suresh Gopi during his campaigning in the area.