Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government’s felicitation event for Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Mohanlal, titled ‘Lal Salaam’ and held on October 4, has snowballed into a major controversy after an official order revealed the event’s cost to be a staggering ₹2.84 crore.
The Department of Cultural Affairs issued the order, confirming the expenditure of ₹2,84,00,000 for the event organised to honour the celebrated actor. The responsibility for the ‘Lal Salaam’ program was jointly handled by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, and the Cultural Activists Welfare Fund Board.
The event, inaugurated by the Chief Minister, immediately drew criticism, with opponents labelling it a “party program.” The presence of CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan Master on the dais was cited as evidence that the state-sponsored event had been politicized.
Political Intent Alleged by Opposition
AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal MP strongly criticised the event, alleging that the state government was using the occasion to push its political agenda.
”The ceremony organised to honour actor Mohanlal, who won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, clearly revealed the government’s political objectives,” Venugopal stated. He added that the Congress did not wish to politicise the honour of an artist loved by the people of Kerala, but questioned the organisers: “Should an artist like Mohanlal have been used for such political interests?”
Venugopal further alleged that the government was conducting such expensive PR (Public Relations) events to divert public attention and overcome the “hatred people have for the government.” He accused the administration of using the felicitation as a tactic to escape the ongoing controversy surrounding the Sabarimala issue.
