Kerala CM Criticizes 'Mini Pakistan' Remark by Maharashtra Minister

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's 'mini Pakistan' remark, calling it 'provocative and condemnable.' Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of spreading hate and urged action against the minister. Rane defended his statement, citing concerns over religious conversions and 'love jihad' in Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan vehemently criticized Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for his recent remark referring to Kerala as a 'mini Pakistan.' Vijayan described the comments as highly provocative and demanded accountability. According to Vijayan, such statements reflect the Sangh Parivar's strategy of spreading hate and alienating communities.

Vijayan urged that Rane, who made the controversial statement, should not continue in his ministerial position. He expressed surprise over the national ruling party's silence on what he termed a serious breach of constitutional values. The Kerala Chief Minister emphasized that this rhetoric targets Kerala's reputation as a bastion of secularism and communal harmony.

The controversy began when Rane alleged that Kerala harbored terrorists, associating it with Congress leaders' election victories in the state. While Rane stated he was highlighting issues of religious conversion and 'love jihad,' his remarks were met with condemnation from opposition parties, prompting calls for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response.

(With inputs from agencies.)