CM Vijayan tears into RSS chief for his comments against Kerala

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday tore into Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for his allegation on the state government for supporting anti-national elements and said Keralites don't need advice on nationalism the RSS.

In a Facebook post, Vijayan said that Bhagwat's allegations on the state government are challenging for the Keralites.

He said Kerala is a land of many great men who contributed dedicatedly in the Indian national movement.

"There is a memorable partnership of Kerala and Keralites in the freedom movement. The RSS, having tradition of turning back from the freedom struggle and embracing the British empire, does not need to teach Keralites what is patriotism," he said.

Terming Kerala as a land of secularism, Vijayan said it is the Leftist mindset that promotes secularism in the state.

He alleged that all the moves to implement communal agenda of the RSS in the state have failed and now the Sangh is trying to defame Kerala through these comments.

"The RSS chief should first clarify what does he mean by saying that the state government is helping anti-nationals for narrow political interests," asked Vijayan.

Further stressing on the same, Vijayan said Kerala will always fight against communalism and violence. He added that the Left Democratic Front government will take action against anyone who tries to disrupt the lives of the people.

Earlier on Saturday, Bhagwat said that the governments of West Bengal and Kerala are "on the side of jihadi elements that are perpetrating the violence" there.

"Jihadi elements are doing violence in Kerala and Bengal, and while people are resisting, the state governments are supporting these anti-national forces by not fulfilling their duty; they (state governments) are on their side" said Bhagwat in an address on the anniversary of the RSS's formation.