Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Express Photo/Tashi Tobgyal
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for an all-party meeting on August 6 in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the series of violent incidents involving members of BJP-RSS and CPI-M workers. Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with the BJP and RSS leaders, Vijayan said peace meetings would be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kannur.
Condemning the attacks on the houses of party members from both sides, Vijayan urged parties to be “more vigilant” and ask “workers to keep away from attacks”.
“After the recent incident, it was decided that meeting between leaders of all political parties be held and it will be done district wise,” he said.
On July 29, an RSS functionary, Rajesh, was hacked to death by suspected members of the CPI(M), a claim denied by the party. Police have so far arrested seven person in connection with the case, including the main accused Manikandan, a history-sheeter. They claimed a personal dispute between Rajesh and the accused resulted in his murder.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Vijayan over phone on Sunday and expressed concern over the attacks. Political violence is not acceptable in in a democracy, he said. Last week, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam had summoned the chief minister and DGP Loknath Behara over the string of violent incidents. Vijayan assured the Governor he will be meeting RSS and BJP leaders.
Today, he met former Union minister and BJP MLA, O Rajagopal and RSS leader P Gopalankuttyare. CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan is also at the meeting.
