New Delhi [India], January 1 : Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat has come down hard on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda over his silence on the "Mini-Pakistan" remarks made by Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane.
"If a BJP leader can dare to make such statements about Kerala, which is a symbol of pluralistic culture and harmony, it is because he enjoys impunity from the party's leadership," Karat, a poliburo member of the CPI (M), told ANI.
She said that Nadda who comments on every (political) development must also condemn remarks made by his leader from Maharashtra for "insulting" Kerala's history, people, and culture.
"Nitesh Rane is a member of BJP. This is not about him, but this is what the BJP thinks. Because why else would the BJP president not condemn it (such remarks)? He speaks on everything. His leader from Maharashtra insulted Kerala's history, people, and culture, will the BJP take action? The question is not whether CPI (M) or comrades from Kerala are condemning it, but is the BJP criticising such remarks. Is Nadda doing so? Are BJP leaders in Kerala condemning? Can BJP even dare?" Karat asked.
She further reiterated Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's reaction, saying that the remarks made by Nitesh Rane were "deplorable" and "provocative" and it was for the BJP to take action against such person. His remarks are based on lies and resentment, Karat added.
"Nitesh Rane's remarks are highly objectionable, based on lies, based on resentment. He is able to speak because this is what the BJP and RSS think. BJP must condemn such remarks and action should be taken against such person (Rane). His remarks remain undoubtedly deplorable and highly provocative and it was for the BJP President to take action against such an individual," she said.
CM Vijayan called the remark "deeply provocative and deplorable," adding that it highlighted the approach of the "Sangh Parivar" towards the state.
Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of attempting to marginalise and isolate regions where they face challenges in gaining influence, using hate campaigns and divisive narratives as a tool.
"The statement by Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane, labelling Kerala as "Mini Pakistan," is deeply provocative and deplorable. It reflects the fundamental approach of the Sangh Parivar towards Kerala. The Sangh Parivar believes they can marginalise and isolate regions where they struggle to establish influence through hate campaigns and divisive narratives. Rane's statement is a direct example of this strategy," the statement read.
The Kerala CM further took a jibe at the central government for not addressing the minister's remarks, labelling them a violation of constitutional values and the minister's oath of office. He further noted that such a minister who makes such comments was not unfit to hold a ministerial office.
Earlier on Monday, in a controversial remark, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane compared Kerala to "Mini-Pakistan" and stated that the Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi were elected as members of Parliament for precisely this reason.
"Kerala is mini Pakistan; that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth; you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them," Rane said while addressing a rally in Purandar Taluka of Pune district.
Notably, following the row that erupted after his remark from opposition leaders, Rane clarified that Kerala was very much part of India, saying he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala and Pakistan.