Only urged Natesan not to become tool of communal forces: Satheesan

Kochi: Kerala is secular and will stand with those who oppose communalism, said opposition leader V D Satheesan. Speaking to the media in Kochi on Sunday, Satheesan alleged that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who claims to oppose communalism, draped a shawl on SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan, whose speeches were filled with communal hatred.Satheesan accused CPM and BJP of spreading communalism in Kerala and urged Vellappally not to become their tool. "Everyone knows about the claim that I am against the Ezhava community. We win because people, including those who follow Sree Narayana, vote for us. Vellappally is becoming a tool for many. That should not happen. Otherwise, I haven't spoken ill of him," he said.Satheesan asked how unity between NSS and SNDP was being disrupted by Muslim League. He said both League and Congress spoke with one voice as they were part of UDF team, urging everyone to stand together. "Our wish is for everyone to come together in unity. There should be no conflicts among people. Communal tensions shouldn't arise in Kerala. Instead, there should be communal harmony. Anyone who takes the initiative to promote this will be supported. Currently, there is widespread hate propaganda, which was previously led by Sangh Parivar. Their strategy was to create religious disputes and politically benefit from the resulting divisions. CPM is following Sangh Parivar's path and employing the same tactics in Kerala," he said."Chief minister has no right to speak about secularism. (CPM central committee member) A K Balan's statement was a Sangh Parivar tactic to incite communal discord. Even when (CPM state secretary) M V Govindan rejected that statement, Pinarayi defended Balan. Vijayan is operating just like Sangh Parivar," he added.Satheesan asked what was wrong in meeting the synod. "I talked to them. I also went to Perunna. Everyone in Congress has the same opinion. (NSS general secretary) Sukumaran Nair has the freedom to criticise me. They are all elderly people. I won't speak ill of anyone. Nair hasn't used a bad word against me," he said.