Suresh Gopi, who is BJP's first-ever MP from Kerala, has denied reports claiming he does not want to be a part of the Modi government and would like to be relieved of his minsterial role.
Gopi, who won the recent Lok Sabha elections from Thrissur, was sworn-in on Sunday as a minister of state in the Modi 3.0 government.
However, Indian Express reported that Gopi told some Malayalam TV channels in Delhi that he could be relieved of his duties soon since he didn't want to be part of the central government.
“I want to work as an MP. My stand was that I didn’t want it (Cabinet berth). I had told (the party) that I was not interested in it (Cabinet berth). I think I will be relieved soon," the Indian Express quoted him as saying.
However, the actor-cum-politician later told CNBC-TV18 that he has accepted the position.
"I have already accepted the ministerial position and I have been sworn in," he said, adding that he is now awaiting instructions to take charge at his ministry.
Earlier too, Gopi had expressed unwillingness to be part of the Modi Cabinet and indicated that he wants to work for the people of his constituency.
After registering a historic win for the BJP in Kerala, Gopi said that he does not want to be confined to a ministry as he can do more for the people as a Member of Parliament than a minister.
"Please do not confine me to a room. As an MP I can do the work of various ministries. I do not want to be a minister. There can be new revolutionary working platforms. All I want is that when I go with a project for the people of Kerala with determination, the ministries concerned should implement it," he said in response to reporters' query as to which ministry he would prefer to head.
The BJP leader's win in Thrissur had come as a rude shock for the ruling CPM-led LDF and the Congress-headed UDF, which even till the last minute had rubbished the various exit polls that predicted victory for Gopi and the chances of the lotus blooming in the state.
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