Kerala BJP Chief Accuses CM Vijayan of Hypocrisy in Film Sequel Row
In a sharp political confrontation, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his vehement opposition to the upcoming sequel of The Kerala Story. Chandrasekhar accused the CM of blatant hypocrisy and attempting to divert public attention from what he termed a decade of governance failures in the state.
Chandrasekhar's Accusations of Double Standards
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Chandrasekhar highlighted what he described as Vijayan's contradictory stance on freedom of expression. "Pinarayi Vijayan has 45 days more as Chief Minister, and he knows that on the 46th day, he is going to have to move his residence," Chandrasekhar stated, referencing the upcoming state elections. He pointed out that when films critical of the BJP were released, the CM championed freedom of expression, but now opposes a film challenging his political ideology.
"This is hypocrisy. This is basically an attempt to distract the people of Kerala from his 10 years of failure," the BJP leader asserted, emphasizing that filmmakers have the constitutional right to create content and citizens have the right to choose what they watch.
Defending Creative Rights and Citizen Freedoms
Chandrasekhar directly addressed Vijayan, stating, "I wanted to tell you, Pinarayi Vijayan, that nobody has appointed you protector. There is no need for you to act like you're a protector of any community." He stressed that every Indian, including Malayalis, enjoys equal fundamental rights under the Constitution.
The BJP chief elaborated on the principles of artistic freedom: "This movie will be shown because just as much as you have the right to watch a movie, I have the right to watch a movie. Just as any director has the right to make a movie, this director also has the right to make a movie." He urged Vijayan to refrain from using his position to intimidate people or create fear around the film's release.
Vijayan's Strong Opposition to the Sequel
Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grave concerns about reports of The Kerala Story 2. In a post on social media platform X, he alleged the sequel represents another deliberate attempt to spread communal discord and hatred within Kerala's secular society.
"The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film 'The Kerala Story' should be seen with utmost gravity," Vijayan wrote. "Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt."
Vijayan further criticized what he called a double standard in media freedom: "It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged." He called for unity against attempts to portray Kerala, known for its harmony, as a hub of terror, affirming that "the truth shall always prevail."
About 'The Kerala Story 2'
The controversy centers on the recently released trailer for The Kerala Story 2, which portrays Hindu women being allegedly trapped by Muslim men under the guise of love. The film is written by Amarnath Jha and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, with direction by Kamakhya Narayan Singh.
Key details about the production:
- Scheduled theatrical release date: February 27
- Genre: Social drama with political undertones
- Central theme: Alleged religious conversion narratives
This political clash underscores deepening tensions between Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition BJP ahead of crucial state elections, with freedom of expression and communal harmony becoming central battleground issues.
