Kochi: The CPM is politicising the Ayodhya temple inauguration just like it did with the row over the Uniform Civil Code and the Palestine crisis, Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, said here on Sunday.
Satheesan's reaction comes amid the criticism his Congress party has been facing over the confusion within its leadership as to whether to attend the Ayodhya event or not. The Congress found itself in a politically difficult situation, especially in Kerala, as the rival CPM outrightly rejected the invitation to attend the January 22 ceremony as a mark of protest against the demolition of the Babri masjid.
The Congress leadership in a wait-and-watch mode about the invitations extended to its former president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders, drawing criticism from Left parties as well as from within the organisation.
Speaking to reporters here, Satheesan tried to put forward a weak defence saying, the Congress as a party has not been invited to the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla in the newly built Ayodhya temple. "Invites have been sent to individuals only. The party will take a call on after further discussions. An unwarranted controversy has been created even before the Congress made a decision," Satheesan said.
Alleging the CPM of politicising the issue, Satheesan said the Marxist party was doing exactly what the BJP does.
"The BJP's style is making dividends by creating enmity in society over caste and religion. The CPM is Kerala is playing the same tune in a different format," he said.
"It (Ayodhya) is a matter that should be dealt with carefully. The Congress will discuss it and make decision. What does CPM have to think about it? Its politics is restricted to a small state like Kerala only. There's no need of a hasty decision on it. In every community, there are people who favour attending the event and people who are against it. Congress will consider all aspects and take a mature decision. Its leadership is capable of that," Satheesan said.
Satheesan applauded Samastha Kerala Jem'iyyathul Ulema president Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal for his organisation's stand on the Ayodhya temple inauguration.
"The editorial published by Suprabhatham daily on the matter was immature and a wrong move. Jifri Thangal has made it clear that it is not Samastha's stand. The Samastha leadership believes that there should not be division in society. We are extremely happy about it. The CPM stance of using such issues only for votes is embarassing," Satheesan said.
He said the stand of Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League on the issue is exemplary and commendable.
Satheesan reiterated the charge that the CPM was turning Kerala into a 'gangster state'. He criticised the assault against Youth Congress members for protesting against the Nava Kerala Sadas. He also alleged that the government was sending the complaints collected at the outreach programme to panchayats.
