BJP indulging in doublespeak on Kerala political violence: CPI (M)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership is indulging in doublespeak regarding the recent political violence in the state.

"On one hand, Union Minister Rajnath Singh is taking adequate measures to stop the clashes while General Secretary of the BJP Bhupendra Yadav, Union Minister Smriti Irani is questioning the sincerity of the initiative by the Kerala Chief Minister," a statement read.

The CPI (M) said this clearly shows that the BJP-RSS are not keen to see that peace is restored and there are no political clashes.

"So, while the Home Minister adopts one position, another Union Minister and the BJP leadership take a contrary stand," the statement added.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting of CPI (M) and BJP-RSS state leaders on July 31 to discuss ways and means to ensure peace and avoid such incidents.

Other meetings were also held in three districts to see that conflicts are avoided and the police takes action against anyone resorting to violence.

An all-parties meeting is also being held on August 6.

It is at such a juncture, the CPI (M) asserted that the central leadership of the BJP and a Union Minister have raised baseless and partisan allegations against the CPI (M) in Kerala.

The CPI(M) further alleged that since the formation of the LDF government, thirteen CPI(M) workers and others have been killed by RSS-BJP men. More than 200 Party members and sympathisers have been injured and hospitalized.

"Over 165 houses and 51 Party offices and many mass organisation offices have also been attacked, set on fire or vandalized," it claimed.

"The game-plan is clear. Resort to provocative actions and uncalled for physical assaults against the CPI(M) workers and raise the cry that the CPI(M) is resorting to violence and blame the Kerala government for not stopping such attacks," the press statement concluded.

Kerala CM condemned the murder saying the party offices and workers' houses can't be attacked and political parties should be more vigilant and ask workers to keep away from such incidents.

"It's sure that some unfortunate incidents have happened in the state. Due to this it has been decided that meeting between leaders of all political parties be held and it will be done district wise," he said.

Earlier on July 30, Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behera said that impartial probe will be conducted into the RSS worker death case and said that strong and firm action will be taken against the culprits.

A 34-year-old RSS leader was murdered in Kozhikode late July 29.

Meanwhile, eight suspects have been detained in the murder of the RSS worker and taken into custody in connection with the case.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Communist Party of India- Marxist [CPI-M]-led LDF government in Kerala for the killing of RSS leader.