Big B for Kerala's brand ambassador? CPM says no

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.