BJP is trying to sow seeds of communalism in Kerala: Congress

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 5: Alleging that BJP is trying to sow seeds of communalism in the state, Congress in Kerala today asserted that people of the state would defeat communal forces in the coming civic polls.

This was stated jointly by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC President V M Sudheeran after a meeting that discussed preparations for the polls at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhavan here.

Attacking BJP, Chandy said communal forces would be routed out from the state. "People of the state will once again prove that state is not suitable for communal parties," he said.

The statement of congress leaders assumes significance against the backdrop of BJP's efforts to make inroads in its base by forging understanding with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), an organisation of Ezhava community, led by its General Vellapaly Natesan.

Talking to reporters along with Chandy and Chennithala, Sudheeran said Congress would face the polls unitedly and discussion to nominate candidates was progressing.

Efforts of BJP President Amit Shah to have a breakthrough in the state would not succeed, Sudheeran said, adding, congress has taken up a major fight against "communal and political fascism."

Seat allocation among UDF partners would be completed soon, Chandy said, asserting that UDF would repeat the Aruvikara assembly by-poll victory in the civic polls also.

Chennithala said political situation in the state was in favour of UDF. Stating that the "BJP agenda" would not succeed, Chennithala said UDF's main political in the state was CPI-M-led LDF.

Referring to the BJP's move to cobble a third front, he said there was no space for a third front in Kerala.

He alleged BJP was trying to sow the seeds of communalism in the state and congress effort was to forge unity of all secular forces. Civic polls in the state would be held on November 2 and 5.

The polls would be held in 941 gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 86 municipalities, and six corporations.

PTI