Gopi's capital gain to fetch BJP high dividend

Thiruvananthapuram: The national award-winning actor turned politician Suresh Gopi surprised many when he refused to acknowledge politics behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to recommend him to the Rajya Sabha. But the “gift“ to Gopi has come as a morale booster to the BJP machinery and an alluring political statement to voters in the poll-bound state.
“There is no need to see any politics behind it.The nomination is not political. You can check it out. Our Prime Minister has recommended my name as Rajya Sabha member. I would like to start my work with a mission to revive the water sources in Kerala. It would begin from Thiruvananthapuram," Gopi told reporters after visiting Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple here on Thursday .
Gopi, who refused to speak about party politics, however, said he would campaign in as many constituencies as possible. The BJP had earlier wanted the actor to contest from Thiruvananthapuram constituency. But the actor did not respond positively.Former cricketer S Sreesanth is now the BJP candidate in the constituency .
The nomination of Gopi has come at the most crucial time.“This is what you can call a political surprise. The BJP central leadership has addressed many political issues in one shot. The only star face of the BJP in the state can now bat for the party without fearing an abrupt end to his political future. A single electoral debacle would have sealed the fate of the actor's political career,“ said a senior BJP leader.
The “loyalty reward“ for Gopi is also being seen as bait to lure the Nair community, whose support is crucial during the poll season.
The possibility of Gopi being inducted into the Modi cabinet will help keep Nair community votes intact.
“This is important, especially when there is a general feeling that SNDP-backed BDJS is being given more than its due share by the BJP,“ said the leader. According to him, Gopi's political anointment shows that Amit Shah and team want to retain their focus on Kerala even after the polls.
Modi recommended Gopi's name to the Rajya Sabha using his prerogative to recommend eminent persons to the upper house.
The news about recommendation of Rajya Sabha seat to Gopi comes hardly a fortnight after Union minister Rajiv Prathap Rudy's public statement in Malappuram that the Modi government would give a minister to Kerala, if the state gives them an MLA.