Union Minister Suresh Gopi has expressed his desire to step down from his ministerial post to resume his acting career, openly admitting that his income has “stopped completely” since entering politics.
Speaking at an event in Kannur, the Thrissur MP and actor-turned-politician said, “I really want to continue acting. I need to earn more; my income has now stopped completely.”
Gopi, who currently serves as Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism, also suggested that Rajya Sabha MP C. Sadanandan Master could be appointed in his place.
“I have never prayed for becoming a minister. A day before the elections, I told reporters that I do not want to become a minister, I want to continue with my cinema,” he said.
The actor-politician recalled joining the BJP in October 2008, adding that becoming a minister was never his ambition.
“It was the party’s decision after I was chosen by the people,” he said.
Gopi also hit back at critics who have often twisted his words.
He cited the recent backlash over his use of the word “praja” (citizens), explaining that it was wrongly politicized by opponents.
Drawing a comparison, he said that just as manual scavengers are now respectfully called sanitation engineers, “praja” and “prajatantra” should not be taken out of context.
His statement has stirred fresh political chatter, as the popular actor appears keen to return to the film industry while remaining candid about his financial realities.
