The political controversy surrounding Kerala Minister Saji Cherian's recent statement has escalated sharply. Senior Congress leaders have launched a fierce attack on what they describe as dangerous remarks aimed at securing votes through communal polarization.
Congress Leaders Condemn Minister's Comments
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala spoke to reporters in Aluva on Monday. He accused the CPM of trying to win votes in the upcoming assembly elections by creating communal divisions. Chennithala labeled Minister Saji Cherian's statement as extremely grave and dangerous.
Chennithala explained that Cherian followed the chief minister's lead by making communal remarks. The minister cited statistics of representatives in Kasaragod and Malappuram districts. According to Chennithala, this reveals a clear agenda of the CPM.
Controversial Statement and Clarification
Minister Saji Cherian made his original statement at Alappuzha on Sunday. He pointed to voting patterns in districts like Malappuram and Kasaragod as evidence of deep-seated communal divisions. Cherian specifically mentioned that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) won 22 seats in Muslim-majority areas of Kasaragod. He also noted the BJP winning 12 seats in Hindu-majority areas, while secular parties like the CPM were sidelined.
As the statements sparked controversy, Cherian issued a clarification on Monday. He insisted that his words were twisted and taken out of context. However, the clarification did little to calm the political storm.
Opposition Leader's Strong Reaction
Opposition leader V D Satheesan also slammed Cherian's statement. He called it a dangerous remark made by a minister in violation of the constitutional oath. Satheesan accused the CPM of now traveling on the same path as the Sangh Parivar. He said both are trying to make political gains by dividing people along communal lines.
Satheesan declared that the Congress will vehemently oppose all those making such communal statements. He emphasized the party's commitment to fighting divisive politics.
Support for Community Organizations
Meanwhile, Ramesh Chennithala expressed support for the potential alliance of major community organizations like NSS and SNDP Yogam. He stated that it is good for the land when community organizations work together. Chennithala highlighted their significant contributions to Kerala's social and educational growth over the years.
Additional Congress Criticism
Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan joined the criticism too. He accused the CPM of a deliberate attempt to divide the state along communal lines. Muraleedharan backed Satheesan's statements, confirming that the opposition leader was expressing the party's official views.
The political row shows no signs of abating as election season approaches. All parties are positioning themselves on the sensitive issue of communal politics in Kerala.
