So far, he has avoided media questions on both the Chhattisgarh nuns' arrest controversy and the "vote theft" allegations.
Published Aug 13, 2025 | 7:33 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 13, 2025 | 9:55 AM
Suresh Gopi. (Facebook)
Synopsis: Amid mounting allegations of voter list manipulation in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, BJP MP and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi is set to arrive there. The political controversy had escalated into street clashes, prompting strong condemnation from the BJP after CPI(M) workers targeted Gopi’s camp office.
Amid mounting allegations of voter list manipulation in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, BJP MP and Union Minister of State (MoS) Suresh Gopi is set to arrive in the city on Wednesday, 13 August. He landed at the Thiruvananthapuram airport from Delhi at around 2.30 am and boarded the Vande Bharat Express at 5.15 am. He is expected to arrive in Thrissur by 9.30 am.
In Thrissur, the BJP’s city unit has planned a grand reception. The actor-turned-politician is expected to head straight to a local hospital to meet BJP workers injured in Tuesday’s police action.
Meanwhile, tensions are set to escalate further as the BJP district unit has announced a protest march to the Thrissur City Police Commissioner’s office at 10.30 am on Wednesday, condemning the police’s handling of the incident. With Gopi’s visit coinciding with the agitation, all eyes will be on the city’s streets.
A statewide protest, as announced by BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, will also be held.
This marks Gopi’s first visit to Thrissur since 17 July. So far, he has avoided media questions on both the Chhattisgarh nuns’ arrest controversy and the “vote theft” allegations, but a statement is anticipated on Wednesday.
The political controversy over alleged voter list manipulation in Thrissur escalated into street clashes on Tuesday, prompting strong condemnation from the BJP after CPI(M) workers targeted Gopi’s camp office.
CPI(M) supporters staged a protest march to the minister’s office, smearing the name board with black oil and hanging a garland of sandals. Later that night, BJP workers attempted a counter-march towards the CPI(M) office, but police intervention led to confrontations.
The tension began around 5 pm when CPI(M) workers, led by the party’s area committee, marched to the BJP MP’s office in Cheroor, demanding his resignation.
Alleging silence over the arrest of nuns and irregularities in the electoral roll, protesters crossed police barricades and poured black oil on the office board.
Hours later, BJP workers launched a retaliatory march from their office, deviating from the pre-announced route to reach the CPI(M) district committee office.
The face-off drew more CPI(M) workers, leading to pushing, stone pelting, and a police lathi charge. Two BJP workers were injured and hospitalised. By nightfall, the two groups had gathered near MG Road in Thrissur, shouting slogans under heavy police watch.
BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar termed the attack on the Union Minister’s office “highly condemnable” and “anti-democratic,” accusing the CPI(M) of trying to unleash violence under the guise of democratic protest.
“The fake propaganda by the CPI(M) and Congress against Union Minister Suresh Gopi violates all democratic norms,” he said in a statement.
Chandrasekhar announced a state-wide protest on Wednesday, warning that if “democratic protests are transformed into a language of conflict, the responsibility will lie solely with the CPI(M).”
He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s “false propaganda” was encouraging physical violence against the BJP and insulting Thrissur’s voters, who had elected Suresh Gopi with a large majority. Police have stepped up security in Thrissur to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, BJP units across Kerala will hold demonstrations on Wednesday, condemning what they describe as false campaigns targeting the Union Minister.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshmi Soman.)
