Superstar Suresh Gopi apologises for anti-Chandy remarks

Superstar Suresh Gopi Sunday apologised for his remarks against Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy following a barrage of criticism and angry Youth Congress activists venting their anger.

Speaking to TV channels over telephone from the US, Gopi said he wished to apologise to the chief minister for his remarks against him.

"If my remarks have caused pain, I apologise for it. I never meant to criticise the chief minister at all. What I wanted to convey was a project before being cleared, should have been consulted," he said.

Gopi had last week in a public meeting criticised the chief minister regarding the proposed Aranmula airport, saying it was not environment-friendly and should be dropped.

Gopi also said that if Chandy lacks knowledge about certain things, the latter should consult knowledgeable people before taking decisions.

In the past two days, two senior ministers and Chandy's party colleagues -- Minister for Diaspora and Rural Development K.C. Joseph and Forests Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan -- had come down heavily on the actor.

Besides, Youth Congress activists marched to Gopi's house, burnt his effigy and also protested against his latest film that was released last Friday.

State Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose said that with the actor apologising, the issue is now closed.