Union Minister and actor-politician Suresh Gopi dismissed media reports suggesting that he was seeking an "exit" from the Narendra Modi-led government and called them "grossly incorrect".
In a Facebook post, Mr Gopi said that it is a matter of pride for him to be in the Council of Ministers of the Modi government and to represent the people of Kerala.
His statement came after his remarks to the media on Sunday night, expressing hope that he would soon be relieved of his post as he wants to do more films, sparking speculation about his continued role in the Modi-led government.
"A few media platforms are spreading the incorrect news that I am going to resign from the Council of Ministers of the Modi government. This is grossly incorrect. It is a matter of pride for me to be in the Council of Ministers of the Modi government and to represent the people of Kerala," he said in the post.
Attaching his photo with PM Modi on his FB page, Mr Gopi said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we are committed to the development and prosperity of Kerala." Earlier, the Congress's Kerala unit had posted a news channel video on 'X' containing Mr Gopi's remarks.
When reporters asked whether he chose the post of Minister of State (MoS) considering his film commitments, a smiling Mr Gopi said, "Nothing was demanded. I had told (them) that I don't want this. I feel that I will be relieved without delay."
Asked whether this posed a problem for the people of Thrissur who elected him, he replied, "There is no problem for them. They know very well. As an MP for the people of Thrissur, I will perform very well. I desperately want to do films."
During his chat with two Malayalam news channels on Sunday night, he also expressed his desire to establish an AIIMS in Kerala and collaborate with other ministers in fulfilling his duties as an MP.
Reacting to reports suggesting that Gopi, the lone BJP MP from Kerala, was expressing displeasure over not being given a Cabinet or MoS (independent) charge, BJP state chief Surendran said it is fake news.
The state unit of the Congress had slammed Mr Gopi and the BJP over the development.
"@BJP4India @narendramodi why this mockery of voters? Why don't you tell your MP to first decide what he wants to do in life and most importantly stop this show in front of the media after taking oath in the name of God and the constitution," Congress in Kerala said in a post on X.
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