Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday threw his weight behind senior CPM leader and former minister A K Balan, whose contentious remarks about the opposition UDF and the Jamaat-e-Islami have sparked a major political row in the state.
Vijayan's Defence of Balan's Communalism Warning
Addressing the controversy, Vijayan stated he would oppose anyone speaking the language of communalism, regardless of their political affiliation. He argued that Balan's comments were rooted in Kerala's historical experiences, specifically pointing to past instances of communal polarisation. The Chief Minister asserted that Balan was merely reminding the public that present-day Kerala is different from the era marked by such divisions.
Vijayan squarely endorsed the core of Balan's allegation. He said there was nothing incorrect in the observation that the UDF's readiness to collaborate with organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami for electoral benefits could spawn dangerous scenarios. The CM emphasized that the concerns raised were valid and needed serious attention.
Revisiting Marad Riots and UDF's 'Contradictions'
The Chief Minister anchored his defence in a sharp critique of the UDF's past and present political stances. He specifically recalled the Marad riots of 2002-03, alleging that the then Chief Minister A K Antony avoided including Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader P K Kunhalikutty in a team visiting the violence-affected area due to fear of backlash from the RSS.
Vijayan contrasted this with his own actions, claiming he visited Marad on his own initiative without seeking permissions. He accused the UDF government of that time of yielding to communal pressures. The CM also pointed to what he called contradictions in UDF politics, tracing a line from the Marad riots to the recent controversy over the IUML's demand for a fifth ministerial berth in the state.
Countering Allegations and Targeting Opposition Leaders
Vijayan stated that his public support for Balan was a direct response to Jamaat-e-Islami's accusation that the CPM was attempting to create communal divisions with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections.
He launched a fresh attack on UDF leadership, targeting Opposition Leader V D Satheesan. Vijayan alleged that Satheesan changed his firm stand against the IUML's demand for an extra ministry for political gain. Further, he accused Satheesan of giving a "certificate" to Jamaat-e-Islami by stating that the organisation no longer advocates for a theocratic state, suggesting this was done to secure its vote bank.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that these political developments lend credence to Balan's original warning. He stressed that if the UDF returns to power, the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami could extend to critical departments like the Home Ministry, creating a situation fraught with political and social danger for Kerala.
