By TCN Staff Reporter
Kozhikode : The newly elected BJP chief of Keralat, Kummanam Rajasekharan’s latest statement that commercial spaces should not be allowed for non hindu merchants has been criticised by the state government.
“Vendors from other religions shouldn’t be allowed in temple premises and temple committees could decide on letting vendors from other religions operate at temple premises,” Kummanam said while attending a function a few days ago.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and CPM state committee have come down heavily against the remark, saying the statements were aimed at creating division among the people and demolishing the secular fabric of Kerala.
“If there are practical issues about vendors from other religions operating near places of worship, that would be examined,” the Chief Minister said through a statement. Chandy asked the BJP leadership to not forget that Kerala had a tradition of people from all religions peacefully co-existing. “It was the Christian and Muslim families who used to bring certain offerings like jaggery to temples in Travancore and Malabar. Even now, temples in Kerala keep these traditions intact. In Kerala, everyone attend the temple and church festival. People like BJP chief are attempting to destroy such sacred traditions and culture,” Chandy said.
He lamented that Kerala had expected a more mature approach from the BJP leadership. “The state would reject those who attempt to sow the seeds of communal hatred in Kerala’s secular mind,” he added.
CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan also heavily criticised the statement. “Kummanam is trying to create communal division and transform the temples to RSS offices,” Kodiyeri said.