Mammootty’s visit to BJP leader’s home draws online criticism

Actor Mammootty’s visit to BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan’s home in Thrissur drew online criticism, prompting Gopalakrishnan to defend the visit and senior CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac to say the critics did not represent his party.

Gopalakrishnan said Mammootty visited on Sunday to bless his daughter and her newly married spouse. The actor had been unable to attend the wedding, held in Guruvayur on November 1. Videos or visuals of the visit circulated on social media, and posts criticising the actor followed, according to reports.

Gopalakrishnan, a BJP state vice-president, urged people to keep personal relationships separate from political differences. He said friendships across political and religious lines should be encouraged and cited the attendance of leaders from several parties at his daughter’s wedding, including CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan.

Isaac, a senior CPI(M) leader and former Kerala finance minister, said those criticising Mammootty online were not party activists. He said the party communicated its positions through its leaders and official accounts, and wanted to maintain its relationship with the actor. Isaac also said people associated with the party should...