The BJP in Kerala has approached actor Mohanlal to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, BJP leader O Rajagopal reportedly stated on Wednesday.
According to a report by NDTV, Rajagopal, who is BJP’s sole MLA in the state, said, “There are a few among us who feel that a man like Mohanlal should be fielded. He is from Thiruvananthapuram and he has evinced a keen interest in public affairs.”
Congress’ Shashi Tharoor is the sitting MP from the constituency.
As per the report, Rajagopal said, “Although Mohanlal is sympathetic to our cause, he is not a party member. We are trying to persuade him, but I don't know if he will accept or not.”
The MLA from Nemom stated that to the best of his knowledge, no candidate has been finalised for any region by the BJP, including Thiruvananthapuram. “There are several names doing the rounds,” he said.
Speculation over Mohanlal’s political entry began after the actor’s one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra in New Delhi last year. Following their meeting, the actor had tweeted that he had briefed the Prime Minister about ViswaSanthi Foundation, an NGO founded by him. Mohanlal also said that Modi had promised to participate in the Global Malayalee Round Table that can "formulate futuristic solutions for a New Kerala".
The Prime Minister then had also tweeted about the meeting, commending Mohanlal for his "humility" and "wide range of social service initiatives".
A day after this, however, actor Mohanlal rubbished the claims while speaking with Malayalam Manorama. “I'm doing my job and acting in my films scheduled. I've no idea about political offers about contesting elections. I don't want to respond to baseless gossip,” he had said then.