BJP calls for 'Protest Day' in Kerala tomorrow

Kochi, Jan 13 (UNI) With clashes between the BJP and the CPI(M) flaring up in Kannur district for the past two days, the BJP has called for a state-wide 'Protest Day' in Kerala tomorrow.

Addressing a meeting of BJP State Council here today, Party State President P K Krishna Das said ''the BJP will register a strong protest against the political violence unleashed by the CPI(M).

''The party will face the CPI(M) ideologically and on the streets,'' he said.

Accusing the CPI(M)-led Left Front Government of failing on all fronts, Mr Das said there had been a 100 per cent increase in the price of rice under this government.

''While development is suffering, the CPI(M) is promoting religious fundamentalism by espousing the cause of leaders like PDP Chief Abdul Nazar Maudhani,'' he alleged.

BJP President Rajnath Singh also expressed concern at the increasing violence against the BJP workers in Kerala. ''Earlier only workers were attacked, but now the leaders are also targeted.

Unfortunately, those behind the attacks are being sheltered by the government,'' he said.

The two-day meet, which was inaugurated yesterday by BJP National Secretary Balbir Punj, was addressed by party President Rajnath Singh and former Union Minister O Rajagopal.

The meet concluded with the passing of a political resolution, projecting the BJP as a ''third force'' in Kerala.

Earlier in the day, a BJP local office and houses of more than ten party workers, including its national executive member C K Padmanabhan, were attacked allegedly by the CPI(M) workers in Kannur district.

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