BJP MP Suresh Gopi Asks Thrissur Toll Plaza to Open All Gates Amid Long Queue

Union Minister of State and Malayalam cinema star Suresh Gopi drew attention on Wednesday when he personally intervened at the Paliyekkara toll plaza in his Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, instructing operators to open all gates to clear a long line of vehicles.

The incident occurred while Gopi was travelling towards Ernakulam. Officials said he noticed traffic backed up on both sides of the toll plaza on the Kochi-Salem National Highway. After his own vehicle reached the booth, the MP stepped out and directed staff to open every gate, a move that police said helped disperse the queue within about half an hour.

Speaking to the media later, Gopi said his action was guided by existing legal provisions. He pointed out that courts have issued strict directives that toll gates must be opened when vehicle queues extend beyond a certain point, taking into account fuel wastage, excessive heat, and smoke emissions from idling vehicles. He added that he did not fault the toll staff, who are required to collect fees, but noted that the process can be time-consuming.

Suresh Gopi, born in Alappuzha in June 1958, is a well-known actor, singer, and philanthropist with a career spanning over 250 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. He holds a B.Sc. in Zoology and an M.A. in English literature. His breakthrough role came in Thalastaanam (1992), followed by hits such as Ekalavyan, Commissioner, and Manichitrathazhu. He won the National Film Award and Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for Kaliyattam (1998). After a five-year break from acting post-2015, he returned with Varane Avashyamund in 2020. He also hosted Malayalam quiz and entertainment shows on television.

Gopi joined the BJP in 2016 and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha the same year, serving until 2022. He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election from Thrissur but lost, before winning the seat in the 2024 general election.