This is an archive article published on November 20, 2024
In Kerala, after BJP leader’s switch to Congress, CPI(M) publishes his ‘remarks on Muslims’ in 2 newspaper ads
The advertisement titled “Sarin Wave” (referring to LDF-backed independent candidate Dr P Sarin) was published in the Palakkad edition of ‘Siraj’ and ‘Suprabhatham’
The advertisement titled “Sarin Wave” (referring to LDF-backed independent candidate Dr P Sarin) was published in the Palakkad edition of ‘Siraj’ and ‘Suprabhatham’, two dailies run by factions of Sunni Muslims in Kerala. (File Image)
On the eve of the bypoll in Kerala’s Palakkad Assembly, the CPI(M)-led LDF on Tuesday issued advertisements in two newspapers, displaying alleged anti-minority community statements and social media posts of BJP leader Sandeep Varier who joined Congress last Saturday.
When Varier distanced himself from the BJP a week back, CPI(M) was first to “welcome him” to the party, with its central committee member A K Balan hailing Varier as a “crystal clear person’’ who can “become a good cadre”. But with Varier opting for the Congress, CPI(M) did a volte-face, dubbing him as a link between the Congress and RSS.
The advertisement titled “Sarin Wave” (referring to LDF-backed independent candidate Dr P Sarin) was published in the Palakkad edition of ‘Siraj’ and ‘Suprabhatham’, two dailies run by factions of Sunni Muslims in Kerala. More than half of the full-page advertisement was dedicated to screenshots and statements alleged to be Varier’s comments on Muslims during his Sangh Parivar days. The copies of the newspapers were distributed in various houses on Tuesday a day before the bypoll.
By giving this controversial advertisement, the CPI(M) has departed from the tradition of highlighting the achievements of the government led by Pinarayi Vijayan.
Varier responded, “I had left BJP, but why is CPI(M) worried about me? The campaign is aimed at creating communal polarisation. Many statements in the advertisement had been wrongly attributed to me.”
Opposition leader and senior Congress legislator V D Satheesan said CPI(M) had crossed all boundaries in campaigning. “After Varier joined Congress, CPI(M) wanted to communalise the issue. They want to split minority votes to ensure the BJP victory. Why is Vijayan worried about a BJP leader joining the Congress?”
CPI(M) minister M B Rajesh, however, said, “There is nothing controversial in the newspaper advertisement. Everything we have given in the advertisement is from Facebook posts of Varier. Congress fears setback in the elections. Is Congress ready to say no to SDPI (the political wing of banned PFI) votes? If our advertisement was wrong, let them file a case.’’
Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India.
Expertise, Experience, and Authority
Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment.
Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes:
Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration.
Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules.
Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More
