Kochi | In a setback for Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday dismissed his plea challenging an election petition against him and said that he will have to face trial in the matter.

Justice Kauser Edappagath rejected Gopi's application, questioning the maintainability of the election petition.

The detailed order is awaited.

The election petition was moved against the Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism by Thrissur native Binoy A S, a leader of the All India Youth Federation.

In his plea, Binoy has alleged that Gopi, who won from Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency in 2024, engaged in "corrupt practices", including misuse of religious symbols, during his poll campaign.

Gopi, also an actor, had scripted a historic win for the BJP by ending its over-seven-decades-long political drought in Kerala.

He won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat with a massive lead of over 74,686 votes.