Keralam CM demands apology from CPI(M) for “seeking to demonise” Muslim-majority Malappuram district
Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of borrowing a page from the Sangh Parivar playbook by playing dog-whistle politics aimed at appeasing the right-wing Hindu nationalist base by disparaging minority communities
Kerala's Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan demanded an unconditional apology from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for allegedly demonising the Muslim-majority Malappuram district as a "hive of fundamentalists and communalists". Satheesan strongly condemned the communal slurs made by CPI(M) leader P. Nandakumar, who delivered "unacceptable rhetoric" during the welcome address at the CPI(M)'s extended district committee meeting in Ponnani, Malappuram.
Nandakumar's remarks, in the presence of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, were not objected to or corrected by Vijayan, signalling the party's tacit endorsement. Satheesan accused the CPI(M) of using dog-whistle politics to appease the right-wing Hindu nationalist base and disparage minority communities, pointing out that Vijayan had made similar "anti-Malappuram" statements in the past.
Satheesan demanded clarification from Vijayan and the CPI(M)'s Central leadership regarding the Malappuram controversy and questioned the party's credentials as a progressive and secular organisation. He also warned of strict action against those who promoted communalism.
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