Suresh Gopi hits back at critics of his ‘Kalungu’ talks, defends comments on democracy

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has responded to critics of his ‘Kalungu Souhruda Samvadam’, saying he will not be silenced or intimidated by threats.

Speaking at the MP’s inauguration. At C. Sadanandan’s office in Kannur on Sunday (October 12, 2025), Mr. Gopi asserted that his public interactions embody the “purity of democracy” and likened them to a surgical strike aimed at truth and transparency.

“This benefits everyone who participates in such discussions. Political purity and purity of spirit are essential for both the speaker and the listener,” he said, adding that critics are “afraid because something genuine has started to happen.”

Responding to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leaders M. V. Jayarajan and P. Jayarajan, who criticized Mr. Sadanandan’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Gopi said that Mr.

“This moment, given Kannur’s political background, was only possible thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he noted.

Attacking the CPI(M) leaders, he said, “The Jayarajan brothers were upset and feared that Mr. Sadanandan would bring development to Kannur.”

“This is not jealousy, but anxiety,” he noted.

Criticisms from CPI(M) leaders

CPI(M) leaders had earlier criticized Mr. Sadanandan’s appointment, with Mr. MV Jayarajan comparing him to Pragya Singh Thakur, while Mr. Responding to this, Gopi said the decision was taken to bring the skills and spirit of the Modi government to Kerala, describing Mr. Sadanandan as an “excellent example of Karma”.

He also expressed hope that Mr. Sadnandan’s deputy office would soon become a Union Minister’s office, even stating, “I would be happy if Mr. Sadnandan was appointed as Union Minister instead of me.”

Regarding his film career, the minister said he intends to continue acting.

‘Words being distorted’

Reiterating that his words were being deliberately distorted, Mr. Gopi said, “Now, everything that is said is distorted. Everyone gets upset when we say ‘Praja’ (people). What is wrong with saying ‘Praja’? They should first learn what Prajatantra (democracy) really means.”

He added that there would soon be a “surgical strike” against misinterpretations of his previous comments. “Don’t try to scare me. I can’t be a politician who hides his pain and his anger. I want to live as a human being, not just as a politician,” he said.