Kerala CM hits back at PM Modi for his statement on BJP workers' safety

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement on the safety of BJP workers in the state.

"On what basis did he say that BJP activists couldn't walk free in the state? His intent is to insult the state with such statements," said Chief Minister Vijayan.

Prime Minister Modi on Friday morning in Varanasi said that the BJP workers in Kerala did not know whether they would return safely once they left home.

Terming such statements as unbecoming for a person holding the post of PM, Vijayan said, "National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that Kerala is one of the most peaceful states."

"Sangh Parivar activists who indulge in violence may get special privilege in the BJP ruled states like UP and Gujarat but won't get that in Kerala," he said.

Accusing the RSS of repeatedly trying to instigate communal thoughts to disrupt peace and harmony, Vijayan said: "The people of Kerala have always stood firm against such attempts. Such designs will never succeed."

All 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala went to polls in the third phase of election on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.