Chennai: The comment made by Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to put images of Hindu deities on Indian currency is opposed by the AAP cadre in Kerala and Twenty20, the alliance partner of AAP in Kerala.
Kerala is a state where political parties largely depend on the votes of minorities. Hence, the parties fear that such a statement leaned towards Hinduism would cast a dent in their vote bank.
They said that the comment of Kejriwal should only be taken as a "sarcastic criticism" of the ruling PM Modi-led government and the deepening economic crisis in India.
Earlier, AAP joined with Twenty20 party in Kerala to form People's Welfare Alliance.
Also Read | Kerala Piravi 2022: CM Pinarayi Vijayan Extends Greetings, Know History & Significance Of Kerala Day
Twenty20 leader Sabu M Jacob talking to Deccan Herald said that all parties are using communal factors to woo votes but it cannot be accepted.
If the pictures of gods should be placed on currency notes then pictures of all gods should be placed on it, he said.
Sabu also said that T20 will not follow such an approach and that they don't want to hold power by following the approach.
He also said that Kejriwal might have made the statement due to the elections in some of the states.
However, AAP Kerala state convenor PC Cyriac said that Kejriwal's comment was on a sarcastic note and the CM meant that only gods can save the crippling economy.
Cyriac also added that the statement could also be considered as a political strategy ahead of elections, as per Deccan Herald.
Earlier, Kejriwal made a controversial statement by saying that the rupee notes can have a picture of Mahatma Gandhi along with two other images of gods so that it will help with the prosperity of the Indian economy.