New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday strongly criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his remarks on Sanatan Dharma, accusing him of denigrating Hinduism to secure extremist votes. Poonawalla’s remarks come in the wake of Vijayan’s statements made during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage, where the Kerala CM criticized the concept of Sanatan Dharma.
In an interview with ANI, Poonawalla said, “The new year has started, but their mindset is the same — to insult the Sanatan. The statement made by the Chief Minister of Kerala is part of a long series of similar remarks. The Left feels that Congress has overtaken them in vote bank politics, and to reclaim that extremist vote bank, they are resorting to abusive insults aimed at Hindu faith and Sanatan Dharma.”
Challenging Vijayan, Poonawalla added, “Will they have the courage to make such statements against any other religion? They don’t. But unfortunately, they disguise these insults under the pretense of what they call ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’ (shop of love).”
The remarks from both sides reflect the rising tensions over issues related to religion and politics as leaders vie for influence in a polarized political landscape. The BJP’s criticism of Vijayan underscores the party’s strategy to counter narratives they believe are aimed at undermining Hinduism.
Poonawalla’s comments are part of an ongoing political clash between the BJP and opposition parties, including the Left and Congress, over allegations of vote bank politics and statements perceived as divisive. Kerala CM Vijayan has not yet responded to Poonawalla’s latest allegations.
