Kerala: Ruling CPI(M) Says Speaker A N Shamseer Will Not Apologise For Controversial Remarks Regarding A Hindu Deity

Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) has made it clear that Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer will not apologise or issue a correction regarding his controversial remarks about a Hindu deity, sparking a political dispute.

Amid criticism from various right-wing organisations and political parties such as the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are demanding an apology and resignation from Shamseer, the CPI(M) has firmly stated its position.

During a press conference, CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan stated, "There will be no apology or correction. It is unnecessary. What Shamseer said is completely accurate."

He criticised the Congress's stance on the matter, claiming it goes against the teachings of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who advocated for a scientific mindset in society. He also alleged that Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor shared the same perspective in the past.

Govindan expressed his curiosity to hear the perspective of V D Satheesan, a Congress leader.

Satheesan, who holds the position of Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, previously criticised the Speaker's statement as a tool for promoting communalism and suggested that it should be rectified.

In response to Shamseer's remarks, a significant number of Hindu devotees and members of the influential Nair community organisation, Nair Service Society, observed protests by offering prayers at Lord Ganesha temples throughout the day.

During a recent event at a school in Ernakulam district, Shamseer made allegations against the Centre, claiming that they were attempting to teach children Hindu myths instead of focusing on achievements in science and technology.

The BJP and right-wing organisations, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have already initiated a campaign against Shamseer.

The campaign launched by the BJP and other right-wing groups has been strongly condemned by the CPI(M).

In a statement, the CPI(M) expressed concern that misinterpreting myths and beliefs as scientific thoughts would hinder societal progress and impede the development of science.