Thrissur: In a taunting remark directed at actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, Congress MP TN Prathapan stated, "No one else can claim Thrissur." The Thrissur MP playfully alluded to Suresh Gopi's infamous comment from the previous assembly elections in his constituency when the actor urged voters to rally behind him with the declaration, "I will conquer Thrissur."

"Everyone is aware of the social and political situation here. It is a place of faith. Despite campaigning strongly during last election, the BJP candidate lost by more than 1,21,000 votes. Therefore, no one else can take Thrissur," he said.

"Suresh Gopi is a good actor, and Malayalam cinema should not miss him. BJP State General Secretary M.T. Ramesh said Suresh Gopi is 80 per cent actor, but I would say he is 100 per cent an actor. He is respected and loved as an artist."