BJP accuses CPM of playing ''minority politics''

Kochi, Jan 12 (UNI) The BJP today criticised the Kerala Government for following a policy of ''appeasement'' of one section of minorities in the state while ''insulting'' the others.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Kerala State Executive Council meeting here, BJP national Secretary Balbir Punj accused the CPM-led Left Front Government of practising religious intolerance.

Stating that the Christian community was feeling threatened by the CPM, he said recent statements by the party leaders including state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan showed that the CPM was setting one minority community against the other.

Mr Vijayan had reportedly criticised the Christian community for refusing to attend proposed talks with the government on the issue of changes in the Kerala Education Rules while praising the Muslims for coming forward for talks.

He also criticised the state government for mismanaging even renowned temples such as Sabarimala and diverting funds meant for temple upkeep.

Describing the incidents at Nandigram as a blot on democracy, he said such instances of political violence were becoming increasingly common in CPM-ruled states such as West Bengal and Kerala.

BJP President Rajanth Singh will address the meeting tomorrow.

UNI ARC KKS1935