THRISSUR: Kathakali maestro Kalamandalam Gopi on Wednesday said that he was inclined to the Left Front and that he would vote only for K Radhakrishnan. He opened up about his closeness with the Left Front and K Radhakrishnan while speaking to the media.

"I had said that I would not record a video seeking votes for Suresh Gopi. That is because I am from the Alathur constituency and I don't think there is any point in me seeking votes for a candidate in another constituency. One need not play political games to maintain friendly relations. Politicians can resort to such games. I do not belong to that group. That is why I said I will not record a video for Suresh Gopi," Kalamandalam Gopi said.

"I will be voting for K Radhakrishnan. There is no doubt about that. We have been very close for a very long time. Radhakrishnan is very close to the Kalamandalam. I'll vote only for him. I am a Left sympathiser. That doesn't mean that I want other candidates to lose the elections. Sunil Kumar is a close friend of mine. In that way, I want him to win. I also wish the very best to Suresh Gopi," he said.

A controversy had erupted after Gopi Asan’s son came forward with a Facebook post alleging that a famous doctor had called him and tried to influence his father for Suresh Gopi, the NDA candidate in Thrissur. Suresh Gopi responded that no one was assigned to meet Gopi Asan and if unable to seek his blessings, he would go to Guruvayur and perform manasapuja. Later, Gopi Asan’s son Reghu withdrew the note.

On Wednesday morning, Gopi Asan shared a Facebook post welcoming Suresh Gopi to his home. In his Facebook post, Kalamandalam Gopi wrote that Suresh Gopi does not need anyone's permission to visit him and that he is always welcome. He also said that anyone who loves him can always come to see him.