All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K.C. Venugopal has alleged that the Kerala state government demonstrated political motives in organizing an event to felicitate actor Mohanlal, a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Mr. Venugopal stated that the government utilized the event as a public relations strategy to counter growing public resentment and to divert attention from existing Sabarimala controversies. He questioned the appropriateness of involving the acclaimed artist for what he characterized as political objectives.
Additionally, Mr. Venugopal claimed that the government allocated ₹8.22 crore for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, asserting this action contravened a Kerala High Court directive that prohibited the use of public funds for such an event. He further alleged that the government’s overall handling of Sabarimala issues violated court instructions and was politically motivated to generate controversy around the subject.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-governments-political-motives-evident-in-mohanlals-felicitation-event-says-aicc-general-secretary-kc-venugopal/article70127784.ece