No intention to hurt Ezhava community: CPM on tableau row

The tableau had created outrage from the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, a powerful Ezhava organisation in the state. The issue has also embarrassed the CPI(M) at a time the party is trying to retain its main Ezhava vote bank. The very purpose of conducting processions on Sri Krishna Jayanti under the pretext of Onam celebrations was to spoil the chances of BJP winning over the Ezhavas.

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Reacting to the tableau, Yogam general secretary Vellappally Nateshan said the CPI(M) has insulted the Guru. “Does the CPI(M) have the courage to insult the leaders of other religious communities? By crucifying Guru, the CPI(M) has reduced itself to the role of Judas Iscariot. This approach will only lead to the collapse of the party,” Nateshan said.

As the tableau controversy seemed to backfire, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said it was wrong on the part of the party workers to present such a tableau. “The CPI(M) would not go for hurting the sentiments of SNDP Yogam or its followers. CPI(M) has a large chunk of its cadres from the Ezhava community,” he said.

He said the tableau was meant to show that Guru was being crucified by the Sangh Parivar. But, it was misconstrued to attack the CPI(M).