Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday withdrew his recent remarks on the Kasaragod municipality and Malappuram district election results, expressing regret over the distress caused. Cherian said his comments “had been twisted and falsely portrayed as being against a particular community,” and sought to clarify his stance.

The controversy erupted after Cherian, on Sunday, commented that while the RSS promotes majority communalism, minority communalism was allegedly being encouraged by the Muslim League, a key ally of the Congress in Kerala. He cited the Kasaragod municipality election results, where both the BJP and Muslim League performed strongly, in contrast to the poor showing of secular parties such as the Congress and CPI(M). Cherian also referenced the dominance of the Muslim League in the Malappuram district panchayat elections, questioning whether the state should move in that direction.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from the Congress-led UDF, which accused the minister and the Left government of communal bias. Interpreting his comments as targeting Muslim League candidates, the opposition intensified pressure for corrective action.

In a detailed statement, Cherian said the campaign to distort his words had caused him “great pain” and wounded the secular principles he has consistently upheld. “The factually incorrect propaganda currently being spread deeply wounds the secular stand that I have adopted and upheld throughout my life,” he said. Cherian emphasized that his public life has always been guided by equality and compassion, transcending religion and caste, and that labeling him communal was unfair.

Highlighting his political career, Cherian, a state secretariat member of the CPI(M), said he has consistently opposed attacks on minority communities across India over his 42-year public life. “As a CPI(M) activist, I have always strongly reacted against any form of communalism, and have faced many bitter experiences due to this stand,” he added.

Acknowledging the hurt caused by the controversy, Cherian said he understood that his remarks had caused distress to many, including individuals and spiritual organizations he respects. “If, due to a misunderstanding of what I said, my intention has caused discomfort or pain, I express my genuine regret and withdraw the statement I made,” he said.

Responding to Cherian’s statement, Congress leaders said a mere press release is insufficient. KPCC chief Sunny Joseph said, “The party (CPI(M)) must take action against him. Kerala’s cultural ethos and secular values were questioned. This cannot end with just a statement. The matter will be raised both inside and outside the state Assembly.”

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The minister’s clarification comes amid rising political tensions in Kerala over communal narratives and local body election outcomes, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding public remarks by elected officials.