CM seeks CPI(M) apology for calling Malappuram a ‘den of fundamentalists’
A day after former CPI(M) MLA P Nandakumar described Malappuram as a “den of religious fundamentalists and communalists”, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on October 4, demanded an unconditional apology from the CPI(M), accusing the party of demonising the Muslim-majority district.In a post on X, Satheesan condemned Nandakumar’s remarks and said that they amounted to “communal slurs” against the people of Malappuram. He also criticised former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan for not objecting to the remarks when they were made in his presence.Satheesan said Pinarayi’s silence suggested the remarks had the “tacit endorsement” of the CPI(M). He accused the party of adopting “dog-whistle politics” by disparaging minority communities and alleged that its repeated criticism of Malappuram reflected an anti-minority shift.Satheesan also demanded that Pinarayi and the CPI(M) Central leadership clarify their position on Nandakumar’s remarks. He questioned the party’s claim to be a progressive and secular organisation and warned of strict action against those promoting communalism.Nandakumar made the remarks during his welcome address at an extended CPI(M) district committee meeting in Ponnani, Malappuram, on October 3. The meeting was attended by Pinarayi and other senior party leaders.“We know that there are unique circumstances regarding Malappuram district. Malappuram district is a den of religious fundamentalists and communalists,” Nandakumar had said.He went on to say that the meeting would discuss how the CPI(M) could unite secular forces, build a broad-based popular movement and address organisational weaknesses in the district.Nandakumar represented Ponnani in the Kerala Assembly from May 2021 to May 2026.Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan sought to distance the party from Nandakumar’s remarks, saying the party was ideologically opposed to the influence of communal forces on political organisations, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).Former CPI(M) MLA KT Jaleel also sought to play down the controversy, describing Malappuram as a “haven for secular forces”. Congress leader V S Joy, who represents the Thavanur constituency in Malappuram, similarly defended the district, describing it as a place built by secular-minded people.The Muslim Youth League has meanwhile filed a police complaint against Nandakumar, accusing him of attempting to create communal divisions through his remarks.
A DAY after former CPI(M) MLA P Nandakumar described Malappuram as a “den of religious fundamentalists and communalists”, Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan has demanded an unconditional apology from the CPI(M), accusing the party of demonising the Muslim-majority district.
In a post on X, Satheesan condemned Nandakumar’s remarks and said that they amounted to “communal slurs” against the people of Malappuram. He also criticised former Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan for not objecting to the remarks when they were made in his presence.
Satheesan said Pinarayi’s silence suggested the remarks had the “tacit endorsement” of the CPI(M). He accused the party of adopting “dog-whistle politics” by disparaging minority communities and alleged that its repeated criticism of Malappuram reflected an anti-minority shift.
Satheesan also demanded that Pinarayi and the CPI(M) Central leadership clarify their position on Nandakumar’s remarks. He questioned the party’s claim to be a progressive and secular organisation and warned of strict action against those promoting communalism.
Nandakumar made the remarks during his welcome address at an extended CPI(M) district committee meeting in Ponnani, Malappuram, on October 3. Pinarayi and other senior party leaders attended the meeting.
“We know that there are unique circumstances regarding Malappuram district. Malappuram district is a den of religious fundamentalists and communalists,” Nandakumar had said.
He went on to say that the meeting would discuss how the CPI(M) could unite secular forces, build a broad-based popular movement and address organisational weaknesses in the district.
Nandakumar represented Ponnani in the Kerala Assembly from May 2021 to May 2026.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary MV Govindan sought to distance the party from Nandakumar’s remarks, saying the party was ideologically opposed to communal forces influencing political organisations, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Former CPI(M) MLA KT Jaleel also sought to play down the controversy, describing Malappuram as a “haven for secular forces”. Congress leader V S Joy, who represents the Thavanur constituency in Malappuram, similarly defended the district, describing it as a place built by secular-minded people.
The Muslim Youth League has meanwhile filed a police complaint against Nandakumar, accusing him of attempting to create communal divisions through his remarks.
