Action against MP John Brittas over article indicates 'dangerous situation' in country: CPI(M)
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 30: The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala on Sunday said the move of the BJP-led Centre of seeking an explanation from the Left party's MP John Brittas over an article critical of Union Home Minister Amit Shah was an indication of the "dangerous situation" prevailing in the country.
The CPI(M) said that not just Shah, but several other Sangh Parivar leaders have repeatedly given speeches and made statements that were "contemptuous" of Kerala.
Kerala, which was number one in the Human Development Index (HDI), was even compared to a country like Somalia, it said.
The CPI(M) state secretariat, in a statement, further contended that the vindictiveness of the BJP leaders towards Kerala was due to the reason that it was a model state in protecting secularism and has provided alternatives to the globalisation policies of the central government.
Through the Sangh Parivar's intervention, even "anti-Kerala films" were being made, the Left party said and added that the move against Brittas should be seen in this background.
The CPI(M) pointed out that what Shah had said regarding Kerala in Karnataka recently was published in the media, but when the same was mentioned in an article by Brittas he was asked to give an explanation.
The Sangh Parivar's role of forgetting the freedom of speech and expression enjoyed by every individual and moving forward with such actions, as taken against the CPI(M) MP, deserves to be strongly opposed, the statement said.
The Left party urged everyone believing in democratic principles to come together and oppose such moves.
Brittas was called to the office of Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar over his article following a complaint lodged by a BJP functionary, P Sudheer.
The meeting in which Brittas was asked to explain his article -- "Perils of Propaganda" -- took place last week.
In his complaint, Sudheer had called Brittas' article "highly divisive and polarising" and sought "suitable action against the seditious conduct".
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
