Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has issued a strong warning against communalism in all its forms, stressing that both majority and minority communal forces pose a serious threat to social harmony and India’s secular fabric. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Kerala Yatra — a state-wide outreach event that began in Kasaragod and concluded in Thiruvananthapuram — Vijayan underscored the need for unity and vigilance in safeguarding constitutional values.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that communalism, whether emanating from dominant majorities or marginalised minorities, undermines unity and fuels division. He pointed out that in the current national landscape, instances of intolerance and discrimination against minorities such as Muslims and Christians have increased, with attacks on places of worship and policies perceived as exclusionary. According to Vijayan, such developments signal a weakening of secular democratic principles and must be countered collectively.
Vijayan also criticised policies at the national level, alleging that measures like the Citizenship Act and changes to the Waqf Act have contributed to making certain communities feel marginalised. He cautioned that responses rooted in communal identity — even from minority groups — do not offer a solution and can inadvertently strengthen the very forces that promote division. Instead, he called for strengthening secularism as the only effective defence against all forms of communal agitation.
Highlighting Kerala’s tradition of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, the Chief Minister credited the state’s inclusive governance and firm stance against communal violence for its relative social stability. He urged citizens to remain aware of political narratives that seek to divide society on religious or cultural lines, and to work together to uphold constitutional values and communal peace across the state.
News as reported
