CPI(M) state secretary courts controversy

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 26: CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has courted controversy over his reported remarks that party cadres should not remain "mere spectators" to attacks by political rivals, drawing the ire of Congress and BJP, who demanded that a case be registered against him for "exhorting violence".

The CPI(M) leader allegedly made the statement yesterday while addressing a meeting against "RSS attacks" on CPI-M workers at Payyannur in politically sensitive Kannur district. He made the remarks while referring to the murder of party leader Dhanaraj allegedly by BJP workers on July 11.

Reacting to Balakrishnan's statement that party cadres should defend themselves during attacks, KPCC President V M Sudheeran said it was a public call for violence and challenge to law of the land. "A case should be registered against Balakrishnan for exhorting violence," he said.

KPCC also sent a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding registration of a case against the CPI(M) leader. BJP State President Kummanon Rajasekharan alleged that the CPI(M) was encouraging violence in Kerala. The statement was an indication that CPI(M) would extend all support to party cadres in their attacks on BJP-RSS activists, he said while inaugurating the new party headquarters building here.

A BJP delegation led by former state president P K Krishnadas met state DGP Loknath Behra and lodged a complaint against Balakrishnan for his "inflammable" speech. Krishnadas demanded that Balakrishnan be booked under Section 108 of IPC (abettor). The DGP assured the delegation that necessary steps would be taken after examining the issue, Krishnadas said.

PTI