Kochi: Expressing protest over dropping actor Salim Kumar from the inaugural ceremony of International Film Festival of Kerala, Congress has declared that they are boycotting the festival. Congress MP Hibi Eden has announced the party’s stance through his Facebook page.

“If Salim Kumar is not there, we won’t be there. Congress boycotts IFFK in Kochi,” Hibi Eden wrote on his Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the IFFK venue in Kochi witnessed silent protest over neglecting Salim Kumar from the inaugural ceremony.

Salim Kumar himself had raised an allegation that IFFK committee excluded him from the inaugural ceremony of IFFK.

Usually, the national award winners are to light the lamp for the function. But when asked why he was not invited, the organisers cited his age as the reason for not including his name.

“They came up with the trivial response of giving an opportunity to youngsters. But in case of age, there is no huge age difference between Ashiq Abu, Amal Neerad or me. They both were my juniors in college. Here everything is political. I didn’t receive an award just when congress was in rule, I had won even during CPM reign,” he said.

At the same time, Kerala Chalachithra Academy chairman, director Kamal dismissed Salim Kumar’s allegations. He stated that there was no politics in the incident.

Minister for Culture AK Balan, will inaugurate the Kochi edition of IFFK on Wednesday at 6 pm via virtual platform. 25 lamps will be lighted to mark the 25th year of IFFK.