Defending the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan over his controversial remarks, BJP state president V. Muraleedharan has accused Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy of showing religious disparity in the distribution of financial aid in the state.
Mr. Natesan while addressing a rally in connection with his ongoing Samathwa Munnetta Yatra in Kochi had alleged that the state government extended financial aid to Noushad who died in Kozhikode while attempting to rescue two workers trapped in a manhole because he was a Muslim.
Addressing journalists in Kozhikode on Tuesday, Mr. Muraleedharan said that Mr.Natesan had never insulted Noushad nor belittled his brave act. Nobody opposed giving aid to Noushad’s family.
The SNDP Yogam leader had expressed his reservation over confining the distribution of financial assistance to Noushad. The government had not given compensation to M.U. Ullas who drowned who trying to save a pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh from drowning in Aluva and another Vishnu Unni who died while rescuing a woman and her child in Kochi.
Mr. Natesan had not criticised Noushad but flayed the attitude of Mr. Chandy, he said.
Regarding the government slapping a case on Mr. Natesan for promoting religious animosity, the BJP leader questioned the rationale behind such a move.
Previously, a Bishop from Idukki abused an entire community. But no case had been taken against him. Mr. Chandy would not have courage to file a case against the Bishop. “There have been several incidents of fomenting communal hatred in the state. However, no cases have been taken against anyone,” he said.
Mr. Muraleedharan said that BJP was against Mr. Chandy’s outlook in awarding compensation based on religious grounds. It was Mr. Chandy who was showing religious discrimination and not Mr. Natesan.
The government had not given any compensation to the Andhra Pradesh workers who were killed in the manhole in Kozhikode. Was it because they did not speak Malayalam, he asked.
