NewKerala.com

Kerala Political Storm: BJP Slams CM, LoP for 'Insulting' Dalit President

BJP leader V. Muraleedharan has strongly criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan for missing the ceremony where President Droupadi Murmu unveiled KR Narayanan's statue. He accused them of showing disrespect not only to the former President but also to the current President and the Dalit community. Muraleedharan pointed out that both leaders had ample opportunity to attend the event despite their schedules. The BJP leader demanded an immediate apology from both political figures for what he called a regrettable incident of social disrespect.

Key Points: BJP Criticizes Kerala CM Vijayan LoP Satheesan Narayanan Snub

  • BJP demands apology from Kerala CM and opposition leader for statue ceremony absence
  • Muraleedharan calls snub disrespect to both former and current Presidents
  • Congress accused of historical opposition to backward classes and Dalit communities
  • KR Narayanan remembered as India's first Dalit President and diplomat
2 min read

BJP slams CM Vijayan, LoP Satheesan for 'disrespecting' former President KR Narayanan

BJP leader Muraleedharan condemns Kerala CM Vijayan and LoP Satheesan for skipping President Murmu's unveiling of KR Narayanan statue, calling it disrespect to Dalit community.

"The Chief Minister and opposition leader's stand towards the nation's first citizens because they hail from the Dalit community? - V. Muraleedharan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23

Former Union Minister and top BJP leader V. Muraleedharan on Thursday strongly criticised the absence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan from the ceremony unveiling the statue of former President K.R. Narayanan.

The statue of Narayanan was unveiled by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday at the Kerala Raj Bhavan, the official residence of Governor, here.

Muraleedharan said that their non-participation was not only a sign of disrespect to the former President and the current President, but also an insult to the Dalit community.

"The President’s visit to Kerala was scheduled well in advance, and the Chief Minister could have adjusted his foreign trip accordingly. Satheesan, despite being in Thiruvananthapuram and invited, deliberately chose not to attend,” said Muraleedharan.

“The Congress has always been opposed to the backward classes. The country has not forgotten Sonia Gandhi’s insult to President Droupadi Murmu. Is the Chief Minister and opposition leader’s stand towards the nation’s first citizens because they hail from the Dalit community?” asked Muraleedharan.

Muraleedharan further demanded that the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition apologise to the Dalit community for this regrettable incident, emphasising that it was a matter of both national and social respect.

Narayanan (1920–2005) was India’s 10th President and the first Dalit to hold the nation's highest Constitutional office.

Born in Kerala, he rose from humble beginnings to become a distinguished diplomat, serving in India’s Foreign Service, including ambassadorial postings to the US and China.

Elected Vice President in 1992, Narayanan assumed the presidency in 1997, gaining respect for his integrity, humility, and commitment to social justice.

Known for his moral courage, he frequently spoke out on issues of inequality, human rights, and government accountability, upholding Constitutional values with authority and empathy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree that attending such ceremonies is important, let's not make this purely political. Both CM and LoP might have had genuine reasons. We should focus on honoring Narayanan's contributions to our democracy rather than creating controversies.
M
Michael C
As someone who has studied Indian political history, Narayanan's presidency was remarkable for his commitment to constitutional values. When current leaders skip events honoring such figures, it sends the wrong message about our commitment to democratic traditions.
S
Shreya B
Narayanan Sir's journey from a small village in Kerala to Rashtrapati Bhavan is inspirational for every Indian. Our leaders should have shown more respect to this great son of our soil. Basic courtesy demands their presence at such important events.
A
Aman W
Honestly, BJP is making too much of this. There are more important issues facing Kerala than who attended a statue unveiling. Let's focus on development work rather than symbolic gestures. 🙄
N
Nisha Z
K.R. Narayanan was a true statesman who always stood for the marginalized. His absence from today's political discourse is felt deeply. Our current leaders could learn so much from his integrity and commitment to social justice.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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