Kerala will lose its identity if BJP-RSS gain prominence: CM Vijayan
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Kannur: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday warned that Kerala could lose its unique cultural and social identity if the BJP and RSS gained prominence in the state.
Speaking after inaugurating a CPI(M) office building in Kannur, Vijayan cautioned people against the rise of the Sangh Parivar's ideology and urged vigilance.
Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks in Kochi that the BJP would secure 25 per cent votes in the upcoming local body polls and a majority in subsequent elections, Vijayan said such claims should be taken seriously by the people of Kerala.
“If the ideology represented by the RSS gains strength here, Kerala will not remain the same. Today we have the freedom to wear what we want, eat as we wish, and worship anywhere. In states where the RSS dominates, people are attacked and even killed over what they eat or wear,” he said.
Vijayan alleged that the Sangh Parivar was attempting to distort Kerala's culture and communal harmony, including interfering in religious traditions such as Sabarimala. “Along with Lord Ayyappa, Vavar also has a place in Sabarimala's tradition. But the Sangh Parivar cannot tolerate that a Muslim holds such a position, and hence they try to misrepresent Vavar's identity,” he said. According to legend, Vavar is the Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa, and devotees reach Sabarimala via Erumely, where Vavar’s mosque is located. Vijayan warned that the shrine’s inclusive character would be lost if such forces gained influence.
The Chief Minister said Kerala’s renaissance movements had transformed a caste-ridden society into a progressive one, and attempts were now being made to reverse those gains. “Each vote given to the BJP will damage Kerala's real identity. The people must realise this and take a stand,” he said.
Vijayan also criticised the previous UDF government (2011–16), alleging it left the state exchequer empty and caused setbacks in development, while the LDF government since 2016 had revived growth across all sectors.
With PTI inputs