BJP's MP Suresh Gopi calls Indira Gandhi "Mother of India"

(L) BJP MP Suresh Gopi; (R) Indira Gandhi. Representative Image

Bharatiya Janata Party's first MP from Kerela, Suresh Gopi, has called former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the 'Mother of India'. As per reports from ANI, he also dubbed K. Karunakaran, the late Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Kerala, as a "courageous administrator."

Suresh Gopi made these remarks after visiting Karunakaran's memorial, 'Murali Mandiram,' in Thrissur recently. He was appointed as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as the Minister of Tourism in the new Union government.

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He also referred to veteran leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxists, EK Nayanar and K Karunakaran, as his "political gurus," reported ANI.

Notably, Suresh Gopi defeated K Karunakaran's son, K Muraleedharan, in the Thrissur constituency in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

"Leader Karunakaran and his wife, whom I fondly call 'Amma', I couldn't come to send them off...just as we see Indira Gandhi as the mother of India," Suresh Gopi told reporters.

"Not to insult anyone who preceded him, but in my generation, Leader Karunakaran was a courageous leader whom I respect a lot. So obviously, I will have a liking for the party to which he belongs," Gopi added.

According to reports from ANI, he also clarified that his admiration for other party leaders cannot be considered his "political views," and they remain "unchanged and loyal" to his existing party.

Speaking to reporters, Gopi said, "As an Indian, a person who stands up for the country, a Bharatiya, I have very evident politics. That shouldn't be broken. But the respect I have for people comes from my heart. You don't have to give it any political taste."

He said that K. Karunakaran, as the Union Minister under the Indira Gandhi government, got the best administrative benefits for Kerala. He added that only the BJP's O Rajagopal could come closer to him, reported ANI.

The actor-turned-politician won the Thrissur constituency, making him Kerala's first Lok Sabha MP. He defeated the ruling Left Democratic Front candidate, V.S. Sunilkumar, by 74,686 votes.

Gopi was sworn in as Minister of State in the Modi 3.0 cabinet. Earlier this week, on Tuesday morning, he assumed charge as Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as the Ministry of Tourism.