Vidamatten: Suresh Gopi says he will not abandon Thrissur

THRISSUR: A group of people, including party workers and passers-by, were waiting at the entrance leading to the fish market near Sakthan Thampuran bus stand in Thrissur, since morning to get a glimpse of action hero Suresh Gopi. After half an hour, the NDA candidate in Thrissur constituency turned up in a blue shirt and white mundu.
With a smile and folded arms, he got down from the vehicle, while party workers burst crackers to welcome him.Supporters and onlookers jostled to get a sight of him. After addressing the gathering and seeking their votes, it was time for some dramatics.
“Vidamatten,” Gopi said, recalling Nagavalli’s iconic dialogue from Manichithrathazhu, indicating that he would not abandon Thrissur. The crowd cheered.
He was selected to contest the elections by God’s grace, he said and was careful not to mention Sabarimala or Ayyappa.
The actor-turned-politician was served a notice by the district collector T V Anupama, a few days ago, for mentioning Ayyappa’s name during campaigning.
Holding an umbrella, he strolled along the market chatting up with fish sellers. “What fish is this one,” he asked pointing at Indian anchovy. ‘Kozhuva’, the vendor replied.
The next stop was before pearl spot. He wanted to know from where the fish was sourced. “We get it from Alappuzha,” said the fish seller.
At the vegetable market, on the opposite side of the fish market, the traffic came to a halt as people stopped their vehicles to see the actor.
After campaigning at the vegetable market, Gopi, along with others, boarded an autorickshaw to the rice market. Since it was morning and shops were yet to open, there were not many people on the road.
After having a quick bath at a hotel, he swung into action again since his schedule for the day included visits to the Sri Sankaramkulangara Temple and spiritual leader Mata Amrithandamayi’s mutt. He was also to receive a felicitation from ex-military men at the Naduvilal Junction.
“I was a star campaigner for the Aruvikkara byelection and the assembly elections. They were very valuable experiences. But I had only a limited responsibility. This time, my responsibility is huge,” he told TOI.
Gopi, who prefers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, strictly takes extra care of his food during campaigning.