Overview
- Mammootty made an unannounced March 7 visit to the Wayanad Model Township for 2024 landslide survivors and met residents and officials.
- A hot mic clip showed him asking CPI(M) Wayanad secretary K. Rafeeq to step aside so the visit would not appear party‑sponsored, and the video went viral.
- The clip triggered partisan social‑media criticism of the actor, while CPI(M) ministers highlighted Rafeeq’s role in landslide relief and sought a measured response.
- Rafeeq said Mammootty phoned to clarify no insult was intended and publicly urged that the debate end and the visit be discussed positively.
- On March 9, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly apologized to Mammootty for the online attacks, calling the visit well‑intentioned and unaffiliated with any party.