“PM Modi’s remarks on Muslims aimed at communal polarization”: Kerala CM Vijayan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments about the Muslim community, calling them defamatory and aimed at fostering communal divisions. Vijayan expressed concern during a press conference in Kannur, stating, “The derogatory reference to intruders and ‘hoarders’ is untrue and part of their ideological code.”

Vijayan specifically referred to Modi’s remarks made at an election rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, where the Prime Minister claimed that the Congress manifesto talks about redistributing wealth to Muslims. Vijayan urged the Election Commission to take note of Modi’s speech, emphasizing, “The Muslim community was also accused of stealing the country’s wealth.”

Vijayan emphasized the need for all progressive and secular forces in the country to unite to ensure transparent and democratic elections. He stressed that any statement or attitude that undermines the country’s secular and friendly essence must be questioned and opposed.

Moreover, Vijayan accused the BJP of undermining the country’s constitutional institutions and eroding their independence and autonomy. He expressed concern over the formation of the selection committee for the Election Commission, which excludes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Vijayan also criticized the Election Commission for its alleged silence on numerous legal violations by high-ranking officials in the central government, including the Prime Minister, raising doubts about its impartiality.

He called on the Election Commission to take immediate action to reassure the public of its neutrality and to prevent communal propaganda aimed at inciting religious sentiments during elections.