Congress accuses BJP of inciting intolerance in people's minds

KOCHI: Rattled by BJP's move to constitute a third front in Kerala, ruling Congress-led UDF today turned its leadership conclave here to target saffron outfits with leaders led by A K Antony asking their followers to check the threat of communal polarisation which "is the agenda of the Narendra Modi government".

In an apparent bid to undermine the growing efforts by saffron outfits to establish a larger political presence in the state, the UDF conclave, presided over by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, declared that there was no space for a third front in Kerala's bipolar polity and CPI(M)-led LDF was their main rival in the civic polls next month.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite his busy schedule, has constituted a cell to monitor developments in Kerala... trying to conquer Kerala which is known for its communal harmony," Antony said, inaugurating the conclave attended by top leaders of Congress and UDF partners including Muslim League, Kerala Congress (M), RSP and JD(U).

"BJP, RSS, Modi and Amit Shah...they don't want to see Kerala as a haven of communal harmony. They want to destroy it. They are trying to disfigure the beautiful face of Kerala through their divisive politics," Antony said.

Condemning the Dadri lynching episode in Uttar Pradesh, Antony said a poor man was killed over rumours of beef consumption.

Accusing the BJP of inciting intolerance in the minds of people, the former Defence Minister said India under Narendra Modi has moved away from the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

"Communal polarisation is the agenda of the Modi government. That wind is blown across the country. It is slowly felt in Kerala. We must check it because it is a threat," Antony said.

His statement comes amid BJP's efforts to make inroads in the state by forging understanding with the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), an organisation of numerically strong backward Ezhava community, led by its powerful General Secretary Vellapaly Natesan.

On frequent visits to Kerala by saffron leaders, including VHP's Ashok Singhal and Shah, Antony alleged it was to sow seeds of communalism in the state.

Urging UDF workers to give a "befitting reply" to saffron outfits in the local body polls, Antony said there will be a "tough fight" with traditional rivals CPI(M)-led LDF in the crucial elections being desecribed as a semi-final ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled next year.

Chandy accused BJP of trying to reap benefits through its "divisive politics".