Sexual-harassment scandal: Suresh Gopi avoids Mukesh questions, pushes reporters aside
What's the story
Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism, Suresh Gopi, has stirred controversy by refusing to comment on BJP's stance against his opinions regarding the sexual misconduct allegations against his colleague, Mukesh.
Gopi, who is also a prominent actor in the Malayalam film industry, was seen pushing reporters aside when questioned about the issue.
The incident occurred as he was leaving the Ramanilayam government guest house in Thrissur.
Details
Gopi criticizes media for 'misleading public perception'
Earlier on Tuesday, Gopi had criticized the media, accusing it of "misleading public perception" about the film industry.
He suggested that the recent sexual harassment allegations against actors and directors were being used by the press to generate revenue.
Gopi argued that until a court has made a ruling, Mukesh is not guilty.
His comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, including his own party's leadership.
Quote
'This is all food for you': Gopi had lashed out
According to PTI, Gopi said, "This is all food for you, is what I understand. You can use it to make money. (There is) no problem with that."
"But these issues are before the court and it has the intelligence and logic to arrive at a decision regarding them. You (the media) are not only making people fight each other for your own gains, you are also misleading public perception," he added.
Party response
BJP leadership distances itself from Gopi's remarks
Following Gopi's remarks, the BJP state leadership clarified that his views do not represent the party's official stance.
State President K Surendran stated that while Gopi is entitled to his personal opinions as a film actor, the party's position is determined by its leadership.
Surendran reiterated the BJP's demand for Mukesh's resignation, indicating a divergence between Gopi's comments and the party line.
Mukesh
Who is Mukesh?
Mukesh Madhavan, a senior Malayalam actor, has been representing the Kollam Assembly constituency in Kerala since 2016.
He won both the 2016 and 2021 elections with tickets from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the largest party in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) alliance.
Recently, he was accused of sexual harassment by a female actor.