Kalpetta: Actor Mammootty called K Rafeeq, CPM Wayanad district secretary, over the phone following a controversy that arose after he asked Rafeeq to step aside during his visit to the Wayanad Township.

Mammootty reportedly told Rafeeq that his words were not intended to insult him. He also said it was something he had mentioned privately and that he never expected it to turn into such a big controversy. Rafeeq has not yet made any public response.

Mammootty had visited the township for a private visit, accompanied by producer Anto Joseph. Shortly before Mammootty’s arrival, MA Baby, CPM All India General Secretary, had visited at the township and left. Hence, CPM leaders including Rafeeq were already present there.

While visiting different places in the township, Mammootty reportedly expressed his discomfort to Rafeeq, asking, “If you keep walking with me all the time, won’t people misunderstand that I came here for you?”

Following this remark, Mammootty faced strong cyber criticism on social media.