CPI leader attacks Kumbh Mela plan

Binoy Viswam, CPI State secretary, spoke against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh holding a Kumbh Mela at Tirunavaya on Saturday, triggering a political controversy with BJP leaders.

Viswam links Mela to Godse's politics

Speaking at a CPI meeting on secularism near the Gandhi statue at Tirunavaya, Viswam said those seeking to hold the Kumbh Mela were promoting the politics of Nathuram Godse, who killed Mahatma Gandhi.

Tirunavaya's significance to Gandhi

Tirunavaya is one of the places where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. Viswam stressed that Gandhi, not Godse, represented Hindu values and the need for Hindu-Muslim unity.

Viswam accuses BJP and RSS of extremism

Viswam said the CPI respected all religions but opposed making religion part of the nation. He accused the BJP and RSS of following an ideology influenced by Mussolini and Hitler.

BJP leaders reject criticism, vow event continues

BJP Palakkad zone general secretary K.K. Surendran and State vice president V. Unnikrishnan hit back, reasserting that the Kumbh Mela would continue to be held at Tirunavaya.

“Tirunavaya is not Binoy Viswam's ancestral property.”

BJP accuses Viswam of political opportunism

Surendran accused Viswam of opposing Hindu beliefs for political gain and trying to create Hindu-Muslim divisions. Unnikrishnan alleged Viswam was trying to appease Islamic extremists.