Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 28: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday accused the Keralam government of taking a “selective” approach to remarks allegedly insulting religious beliefs and staying silent on derogatory comments against the Hindu faith.
Chandrasekhar said the V D Satheesan government had completed 100 days without bringing any change, development or jobs to the state, calling it “100 days of apakadam politics (dangerous politics)”.
His remarks came amid a controversy over alleged objectionable comments by Dalit activist Sunny M Kapikkad about Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Malikappurathamma at Sabarimala.
At a recent event at an educational institution, Kapikkad allegedly used sexually derogatory language while referring to the deities.
BJP leaders, voluntary organisations associated with Sabarimala and activist Rahul Easwar on Thursday filed complaints with the police seeking registration of a case against Kapikkad.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Friday that a case had been registered against him.
Chandrasekhar alleged that the government had failed to take legal action against Kapikkad and others over remarks he claimed were derogatory towards Hindu beliefs.
“Why are chief minister, Chennithala and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan silent on hate speech against Hindu beliefs? Is the law not applicable equally to everyone?” Chandrasekhar asked.
He alleged that the Congress had raised issues such as the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala to come to power but had “forgotten” the shrine and Lord Ayyappa after assuming office.
The BJP leader accused the Congress of betraying thousands of Hindu voters who had placed their faith in the party.
“What we have seen in these 100 days is only the politics of appeasement and double standards,” he said, alleging that the government was pursuing a policy of “divide and rule” instead of taking measures to benefit ordinary people.
Chandrasekhar urged the UDF government to initiate strong legal action against those who insult religious beliefs.
He said remarks allegedly insulting Hindu beliefs could not be justified in the name of freedom of expression and demanded immediate legal action against those responsible.
Earlier in the day, Kapikkad apologised for his alleged derogatory remarks against the Sabarimala deities after Keralam police registered a case against him.
Kapikkad told a TV channel that his remarks were aimed at Sangh Parivar forces, which he alleged were spreading false propaganda around temples and faith and promoting a political agenda centred on establishing a Hindu Rashtra.
“Listening to them, one would think Lord Ayyappa’s celibacy is so fragile that it would shatter at the mere sight of women. This was the remark I made,” he said.
He acknowledged that he had used inappropriate language.
“I used the word ‘rape’ in that remark. That was a mistake, and there was absolutely no need to use that word. I express my deep and sincere regret to the people of Keralam. I can only be more cautious in such matters,” he said.
