CPI(M) has no connection with online attacks against Mammootty, says MV Govindan

CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan | Photo credit: The Hindu

The CPI(M) has no connection with the online attacks on actor Mammootty, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan said, adding that “the party was in favor of a healthy dialogue with all”.

At a press conference here on Friday, Mr. Govindan was reacting to the attack on the actor by alleged left-leaning cyber cliques after DYFI, SFI leaders met the actor recently. “The party never decided to launch any online attack,” he said.

Mammootty came under fire earlier this year after a video showed the actor, who was visiting the Wayanad model town built for landslide survivors, told CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary K. Rafeeq to step aside as people might assume his visit was organized by the CPI(M).

“SFI and DYFI have won a lot of national approval in their fight against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In this context, there is no reason to decide not to visit Mammootty. Not only SFI and DYFI, CPI(M) leaders are planning to personally invite writers, scientists, artists, intellectuals and actors,” he said.

The CPI(M) state secretary described Mammootty as an internationally renowned Malayalam actor whose recognition as an artist is of great significance.

“The Left Front has also faced criticism at times. We see such criticism as constructive criticism. That’s how it should be. The CPI(M) is a party that feels it should have a healthy dialogue with tens of thousands of people who agree or disagree with it,” he said.

On G. Sudhakaran’s criticism of SARAL

On CPI(M) dissident and UDF-backed independent MLA G. Sudhakaran criticizing the UDF government’s SARAL (Simplified and Accelerated Regulatory Approvals and Licensing) Keralam Bill, 2026, Mr. Sudhakaran said that Mr. Sudhakaran shared the LDF’s view on the bill.

“The SARAL Bill is aimed at destroying our agricultural land and major watersheds for the benefit of corporate interests. We need not disagree when individuals from the ruling front, including Mr. Sudhakaran, say it is undesirable,” Mr. Govindan said.

The bill was passed in the Kerala Assembly on Thursday.

On the UDF government’s decision to order a Vigilance probe into the acquisition of land in Kannur by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Mr. Govindan said AP Revenue Minister Anil Kumar informed the assembly that the acquisition was done legally.

Published – 30 Oct 2026 12:18 IST