Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, publicly apologised to renowned Malayalam actor Mammootty following a controversy surrounding the actor’s recent visit to a rehabilitation township in Wayanad. The township was constructed to house families displaced by the devastating Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide.

Speaking at a public event in Thiruvananthapuram on March 9, Vijayan said the actor’s visit had been misrepresented and expressed regret over negative remarks that appeared on social media after the incident.

Visit to Rehabilitation Township Sparks Debate

During his speech, Vijayan noted that residents of Wayanad were pleased with the development of the township and that several visitors had come to see the project. Mammootty was among those who visited the site to understand the rehabilitation efforts.

According to the Chief Minister, the actor had travelled from Chennai to Wayanad without informing any political party or government office in advance. Vijayan said the visit was purely personal and intended to observe the township created for landslide-affected families.

Social Media Reactions Lead to Controversy

The situation turned controversial after comments targeting Mammootty began circulating on social media. Vijayan described the criticism as unfortunate and stressed that the actor had visited the township with genuine interest and goodwill.

He questioned why a routine visit had been turned into a political issue, suggesting that some individuals often try to create disputes around such events. The Chief Minister added that any person associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) who might have offended the actor through online comments should be held accountable.

Clarification on Incident During Site Visit

The controversy intensified after a video from the March 7 visit surfaced online. In the recording, Mammootty was heard asking CPI(M) district secretary K Rafeeq not to accompany him at the construction site.

The clip quickly went viral and triggered debates among supporters of different political parties. Critics interpreted the interaction as a sign of tension, while others said the situation had been exaggerated.

Political Reactions and Defence of Party Leader

Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) defended Rafeeq, highlighting his active role in relief and rescue operations following the landslide in Wayanad. They praised his contributions to rebuilding efforts and public service.

Meanwhile, leaders from the Indian National Congress accused the ruling party of politicising the incident ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Call for Respect and Responsible Discussion

In his address, Vijayan also spoke about the challenges posed by social media, where comments and opinions can quickly escalate controversies. He stressed the importance of showing respect to prominent cultural figures such as Mammootty and avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings.

The Chief Minister concluded that even well-intentioned actions can sometimes be misinterpreted, underscoring the need for balanced discussion and recognition of positive initiatives rather than turning them into political disputes.

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