Sabarimala: ‘Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s absence for three days is not affecting the state in any way,’ says CPI (M)’s Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

CPI (M) leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Friday defended Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s visit to the Gulf amid the Sabarimala violence. Balakrishnan said that Vijayan’s absence is in no way affecting the state.

“Right now, there is nothing happening in the state that needs the Chief Minister’s direct intervention and physical presence. It is possible for him to run the government smoothly from wherever he is. So, his absence for three days, is not in any way affecting the state,” said CPI (M)’s Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

“The CM has to gone to the Gulf to get help for our state which was affected due to floods. The central government rejected all the foreign funds for relief in Kerala. The CM is working for the state,” he added.

WATCH | CPI (M)'s Sitaram Yechury Compares Sabarimala Violence To Babri Masjid Demolition

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is visiting some of the Gulf countries as part of the efforts to mobilise funds from Kerala expatriates. He is expected to be back by October 21.

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan while blaming the BJP and RSs for violence in Sabarimala, said:

“This violence is created by RSS and BJP. RSS criminals are creating the ruckus. On WhatsApp, few messages are being circulated against this and it has come to our notice that RSS is behind this.

Insisting that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala shouldn’t be blamed for the Sabarimala crisis.

“Those who are criticising the LDF government must know that this verdict is given by the Supreme Court. Whatever the court said, we are abide to follow the order,” said Balakrishnan.

The CPI(M) leader also confirmed the Home department had informed Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu about the possibility of violence, however, the leader blamed the BJP for not being in sync with the Central government.

“The Home department informed the 3 states’ chief secretaries. The central government in their letter said this. But, this shows that the BJP is not with this. Then why is the state BJP creating such ruckus they could just talk to the central govt over this,” he said.

READ | Sabarimala: Centre's Warning Note To State Government Accessed, Even As 3 Women Return As Priest Says He'll Close Temple

Republic TV on Friday accessed an internal security note as per which the Union Home Ministry had warned the governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to make adequate security arrangements at the Sabarimala Temple to prevent any untoward incident. However, even after the warning, violence ensued in Sabarimala with a violent mob obstructing and blocking women to enter the hilltop shrine.

Also, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury triggered a controversy after he compared the violence in Sabarimala to Babri Masjid demolition. Drawing comparison to Babri, Yechury said ‘the pattern is very similar to what happened during Babri Masjid demolition’.