Saji Cherian withdraws remarks, offers unconditional regret

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday withdrew his controversial remarks and expressed “unconditional regret”, saying his words had been distorted as anti-minority and caused “pain and misunderstanding”.

Cherian had said on Sunday that in Muslim-majority areas the IUML wins, in Hindu-majority areas the BJP wins, while the CPI(M), which “promotes secularism”, is defeated, comments the Opposition termed communally divisive.

In a detailed statement, the CPI(M) leader said the campaign around his remarks “deeply hurt” him as it attacked the secular values he claimed to have upheld throughout his 42-year public life. He said attempts to portray him as communal were “factually incorrect” and contrary to his political record of opposing attacks on minorities.

Acknowledging that the controversy had hurt individuals, spiritual organisations and leaders he respects, Cherian said he never intended to offend anyone, withdrew his remarks and conveyed his unconditional regret.

The Opposition dismissed the apology. State Congress vice-president P.C. Vishnunath said Cherian had a history of such remarks, recalling his earlier resignation over comments on the Constitution. “This apology means nothing… He has once again breached his oath and merely articulated the CPI(M)’s views,” Vishnunath alleged, calling the latest remarks “dangerous” and capable of fuelling unrest.

The row comes as the final session of the 15th Kerala Assembly is under way. The Congress-led Opposition is expected to raise the issue in the House on Thursday to keep up pressure on the government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

(Inputs from IANS)