Union Minister Suresh Gopi, the actor-turned-politician and Thrissur MP, has expressed his desire to resign from his ministerial role to return to his first love—acting. Speaking at a public event in Kannur on October 12, 2025, the charismatic star of over 250 Malayalam films candidly admitted that his income has “completely stopped” since assuming his duties as Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Tourism, prompting him to eye a comeback to the silver screen.
“I really want to continue acting. I need to earn more; my income has now stopped completely,” Gopi declared, addressing a captivated audience. The 66-year-old, known for blockbuster roles in films like Kaliyattam and Commissioner, proposed that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) colleague, Rajya Sabha MP C Sadanandan Master, take over his ministerial portfolio. “I have never prayed for becoming a minister,” Gopi emphasized, recalling how, just a day before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he told reporters he preferred cinema over a cabinet post. His candid admission underscores a rare moment of vulnerability from a politician navigating the high-stakes world of governance.
Gopi, who joined the BJP in October 2008, made history as the party’s first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, winning Thrissur in 2024 with a margin of over 74,000 votes. His victory was a breakthrough for the BJP in a state long dominated by the LDF and UDF. However, Gopi revealed that the party’s decision to appoint him as a minister was driven by their need to reward his electoral success, rather than his own ambitions. “It was the first MP chosen by the people, and the party felt they needed to make me the minister,” he explained. Yet, the financial strain of his role has evidently taken a toll, pushing him to reconsider his career path.
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The minister also used the platform to address ongoing controversies, particularly criticism over his use of the term “praja” (meaning “subjects” or “people”) to describe his Thrissur constituents. Detractors, he claimed, deliberately twisted his words to paint him as out of touch. Drawing a parallel, Gopi noted how terms like “manual scavengers” have evolved to “sanitation engineers” to reflect dignity, defending his use of “praja” and “prajatantra” (people’s democracy) as respectful and rooted in Indian tradition. “What is wrong with using the word praja?” he challenged, accusing opponents of exploiting linguistic nuances to undermine him.
Gopi’s potential exit from politics comes at a time when his party is consolidating its foothold in Kerala, bolstered by gestures like President Droupadi Murmu’s nomination of Sadanandan Master, a BJP veteran from Kannur, to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. Master, a seasoned grassroots leader, is seen as a capable replacement should Gopi step down. However, Gopi’s departure could spark debates within the BJP about balancing star power with political commitment, especially in a state where his celebrity status helped break electoral barriers.
As speculation swirls about his next move, Gopi’s fans are abuzz with excitement over a possible cinematic comeback. Known for his commanding screen presence and versatility across action, drama, and comedy, the National Award winner could rejuvenate Malayalam cinema, which has mourned his reduced presence since entering politics. Industry insiders hint that Gopi has been approached for meaty roles in upcoming projects, with producers eager to capitalize on his enduring popularity. Meanwhile, political analysts warn that his exit could dent the BJP’s momentum in Kerala, where Gopi’s charisma has been a unique asset.
For now, Gopi’s offer to resign remains a bold proposition, pending approval from the BJP’s central leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His remarks have ignited a firestorm on social media, with #SureshGopi trending as supporters rally behind his cinematic aspirations while others urge him to stay in public service. As the minister navigates this crossroads, his journey from reel hero to real-life lawmaker—and possibly back again—captures a nation’s attention, blending the glamour of cinema with the grit of politics.
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