Kerala BJP Chief Accuses Satheesan of Selective Secularism

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar directly challenged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan over alleged selective secularism and communal remarks in a social media post about a YouTuber's arrest. Chandrasekhar warned Satheesan against 'selective secularism' in a post on X on Sunday, responding to the Chief Minister's commentary on the case.

He accused Congress and CPI(M) of supporting a political culture that disrespects religious sentiments. The exchange follows prior tensions, including an exchange of words between Chandrasekhar and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after a former Hamas leader attended a Palestine-related event in Kerala in October 2023. Chandrasekhar claimed Vijayan had abused and targeted him for speaking against Hamas radicalisation efforts.

Statue controversy and police action

The dispute centers on a YouTuber's video alleging a Fort Kochi cafe displayed Muhammad Ali Jinnah's statue and served beef. The video claimed the cafe, named after the holy city of Kashi, displayed the statue and served beef.

Fort Kochi police registered a case against vlogger Amrit Singh Darren, a YouTuber from a north Indian state, over the alleged communal remarks in an Instagram video about Kashi Art Cafe. The case was filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Political accusations and constitutional references

Chandrasekhar questioned the glorification of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and defense of Hamas by some politicians. He cited political alliances involving Congress, CPI(M), and Jamaat-e-Islami. He accused Congress and CPI(M) of giving a 'free pass' to individuals whose conduct insulted Kerala and its communities.

He cited Articles 19 and 19(2) of the Constitution, stating the right to freedom of speech and expression applies equally to every Indian but is subject to constitutionally permitted restrictions. Chandrasekhar stated that Kerala belonged to all Malayalees and that every Malayalee was an Indian.

He urged Satheesan to ensure equal sensitivity and respect for Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Chandrasekhar said: "Do not encourage anti-India , anti-Hindu insults/discourse/actions/sentiment like Jinnah worship. In that you will have our support."

In a separate intervention, Chandrasekhar made remarks defending Governor Om Prakash Mathur amid controversy over a reported instruction to make the Lok Bhavan kitchen vegetarian-only. He argued that a house occupant has the right to decide food served according to personal preferences. Lok Bhavan sources stated the vegetarian instruction applied only to food prepared for the Governor and his family, not employees' food choices.

Clarification on secular stance

Chandrasekhar stated he agreed with Satheesan that communal hatred had no place in Kerala. He affirmed his opposition to selective secularism nonetheless.

Chandrasekhar stated he would 'resist' 'selective secularism' 'fully' and 'every time'.