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CPM says 'no' to Big B as Kerala brand ambassador

By Arun Lakshman
March 18, 2010

It was almost sure Amitabh Bachchan would soon become the brand ambassador for the Kerala tourism. But there is a Marxian twist in the tale.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s politburo – the party's highest decision-making body – has asked the state government not to make Big B the brand ambassador since the Bollywood actor also endorses Gujarat -- a Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state.

Party's politburo member Sitaram Yechury, speaking to media persons in New Delhi --  said the party central leadership would not allow the Kerala government to sign contract with Bachchan.

Yechury clearly said that as Bachchan was the brand ambassador of BJP-ruled Gujarat, he cannot be made Kerala's brand ambassador.

State tourism minister – a politburo member too -- Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, who was not available for comments -- is now in a soup as it was he who had taken personal interest to rope in Big B to promote tourism.

The minister had even called up a press conference to announce that Bachchan was willing to become the brand ambassador and that the reigning mega star had called up the minister to confirm his willingness.

Arun Lakshman in Thiruvananthapuram

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