Kerala will lose its identity if BJP-RSS gain prominence: Pinarayi Vijayan

Kannur (Kerala): Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday warned that Kerala would lose its unique identity if the BJP and RSS gained prominence in the state.

Inaugurating the Azhikodan Smaraka Mandiram here, Vijayan cautioned people against the growing influence of the Sangh Parivar’s ideology and urged them to stay alert.

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement in Kochi that the BJP would secure 25 per cent of votes in the upcoming local body polls and a majority in future elections, Vijayan said such claims should not be dismissed lightly.

“If the ideology represented by the RSS gains strength here, Kerala will not remain the same. Today, we have the freedom to wear what we want, eat as we wish, and worship anywhere. In states where the RSS holds sway, people are attacked and even killed for what they eat or wear,” he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of trying to distort Kerala’s culture and communal harmony by interfering in religious traditions, including Sabarimala.

“Along with Lord Ayyappa, Vavar also has a revered place in Sabarimala’s tradition. But the Sangh Parivar cannot accept that a Muslim companion is part of the faith’s history, so they attempt to misrepresent Vavar’s identity,” he said.

According to legend, Vavar was a Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa. Devotees traditionally pass through Erumely, where Vavar’s mosque is situated, en route to Sabarimala. Vijayan warned that the inclusive nature of Sabarimala would be endangered if communal forces gained ground.

He said Kerala’s renaissance movements had transformed a caste-ridden society into a progressive one and alleged that efforts were underway to reverse those hard-won gains.

“Every vote cast for the BJP will harm Kerala’s true identity. People must recognise this and take a clear stand,” he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan also criticised the previous UDF government (2011–16), claiming it had drained the state’s treasury and stalled development, while asserting that the LDF government since 2016 had revived growth across all sectors.