CPM-BJP engage in war of words over Kerala: Key points

NEW DELHI: Over the past week, the CPM and RSS-BJP have engaged in a war of words, accusing each other of inciting violent political clashes and spreading disharmony in several states, particularly in Kerala. While the BJP has sent senior leaders to the state to "boost the morale of the party's rank and file" over the past few months, the CPM attempted to convey the message that the attacks were "not one sided" as claimed by the former.

Here are some of the recent developments in Kerala:


*On October 3, BJP president Amit Shah set out on a 'Jan Raksha Yatra' from Kannur district's Payyanur, to protest what he called "state-sponsored violence" in Kerala. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanth is expected to join Shah today. Several Union ministers are also expected to participate through the course of the 'yatra'.


*In response to the announcement of the 'yatra,' Kerala's CPM chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan demanded that Shah look into the "outrageous mayhem created by the RSS & BJP followers in Kannur," which has been the site of some of the bloodiest clashes recently.


*On September 30, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat alleged that the governments of West Bengal and Kerala are "on the side of jihadi elements that are perpetrating violence" in the states.

"Jihadi elements are acting out their violence in Kerala and Bengal, and while people are resisting, the state governments are supporting these anti-national forces by not fulfilling their duty, they (state governments) are on their side," said Bhagwat in an address on the anniversay of the RSS's formation.


*The CPM's Vijayan then accused the RSS of "sp(r)eading terrorism in the name of religion," saying they have failed to make inroads in Kerala.

"RSS got foothold in many states by sp(r)eading terrorism in the name of religion, make communally abrasive comments & attack minorities, BUT.., Bhagwat ji is speaking such utter nonsense because their outfit failed to poison the minds of keralites for BJP's narrow political gains," Vijayan said.


*On October 2, Union minister Prakash Javadekar equated the Communist Party-Marxist with Maoists, accusing the former of engaging in "murder politics" in West Bengal and Kerala and of using "violence as a tool."

"The 'M' in CPM now stands for 'Maoists' and not 'Marxists'," Javadekar alleged.


*Vijayan lashed out at the minister, calling his statement "irresponsible."

"The irresponsible statement by Javdekar equating democratically functioning CPI (Marxist) party with Maoists is highly condemnable," Vijayan tweeted.

Vijayan charged that Javadekar's statement was "nothing more than a cheap publicity stunt" for Shah's 'yatra.'


*The Union minister had also alleged that Vijayan's own district Kannur was a "minefield" where "more than 84 murders" have taken place.


*Vijayan responded by calling Javadekar's comment a "smokescreen".

"He referring Kannur as my native place is just a weak technique made to smokescreen the atrocities committed by RSS & his party followers."


*On October 3, Amit Shah launched his rally from Payyanur, seen to be a Left stronghold and the chief minister's home district. He alleged that Vijayan had "blood on his hands."

"The bloodstains of more than 120 BJP and RSS workers killed in political violence in Kerala are on your (Vijayan's) clothes. You are directly responsible for killing of CPM's opponents," Shah said.


*The CPM hit back. "Amit Shah is trying to create riots in Kerala by raising non issues. The so called Padayayatra is an attempt towards this. Amit Shah is deliberately inciting violence against CPM leaders. Kerala government will resist any attempt to spread terrorism in the state in the name of any religion," tweeted the party.