Kerala Chief Minister Issues Strong Warning on Communalism
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered a powerful address at the valedictory meeting of Kerala Yatra in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The event was organized by the Kerala Muslim Jamaat. Vijayan spoke with urgency about attempts to harm the state's secular nature. He urged people to firmly reject both majority and minority communalism.
Secularism Under Threat Nationally
Vijayan stated clearly that India is becoming a harder place to live for Christians and Muslims. He emphasized this reality shows all secular-minded people must stand together. Communalism will lead the country into serious danger according to the Chief Minister. He stressed that no compromise can be made on this issue.
The Chief Minister explained one form of communalism cannot be fought with another. Doing so only strengthens the problem. He warned that when majority communalism unleashes violence, creating minority communalism would be suicidal. The secular community should oppose all communalism directly. Secularism itself must be strengthened continuously.
Kerala's Approach to Maintaining Peace
Vijayan highlighted how Kerala continues to be a haven of peace. He noted this is not because communal forces are absent. Rather, it is because Kerala society leads a peaceful life collectively. The state has not faced substantial communal problems historically. People should understand how this stage was reached according to the Chief Minister.
A stern and uncompromising approach by the government has prevented major communal flare-ups over the last decade. Vijayan contrasted this with other states where minorities live in fear. In Kerala, they live peacefully because the government made it possible. There is simply no place for hate politics in the state's approach.
Contrasting Policies with BJP-Ruled States
The Chief Minister criticized the Central government and BJP-ruled states directly. He mentioned the Centre is cutting scholarships for minority students. BJP-ruled states are bulldozing homes of minorities in his view. Meanwhile, Kerala uses the Life project to build houses for the poor. Sixty lakh people receive Rs 2,000 as pension in the state.
Vijayan listed several concerning developments nationally. He spoke about attempts to portray Muslims as second-class citizens. The goal seems to be removing them from mainstream society. He cited the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), attacks on religious institutions, and hijab bans. People are being targeted for eating their favourite foods and wearing what they like.
Attempts to destroy property under the guise of removing encroachments were mentioned. Claims of Hindu fundamentalists on Gyanvapi mosque and Shahi Mosque of Mathura were also highlighted. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) took a strong stance against all these issues according to Vijayan. This included when the law was amended to capture waqf property.
Opposition Leader Echoes Concerns
Opposition leader V D Satheesan also spoke at the event. He said India is going through a bad time currently. Some people are trying to capture power by dividing society and targeting minorities. Satheesan emphasized people must stand together to defeat communalism effectively.
Vijayan concluded by stating goodness cannot remain just a word in this age. It should become a life philosophy for everyone. Society should work to create a world without differences. This is what the government envisages for Kerala and beyond.
