Kerala BJP Claims CM Vijayan 'Insulted' CRPF, Demands Apology Over Remarks On Z+ Security To Guv

Kerala: Union Minister and BJP leader V Muraleedharan alleged that CM Vijayan, in his role as the home minister, had failed to ensure adequate security for the governor Arif Mohammed Khan.

File photo of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

New Delhi: In a recent turn of events in Kerala, a political controversy has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The dispute revolves around accusations made by the BJP, alleging that Chief Minister Vijayan insulted the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by drawing parallels between the central force and a private security service. 

In a dramatic turn of events in Kollam district on Saturday, Governor  Arif Mohammed Khan faced black flag protest by SFI members, had confronted the agitating student wing of the ruling CPI(M) by sitting on the roadside and hitting out at the chief minister.  The Centre then extended Z+ security cover to Khan, who criticised CM Vijayan for allegedly promoting lawlessness. Guv Khan, as the head of the state, asserted that he would not tolerate the lawlessness, reported news agency PTI. 

During a presser, CM Vijayan stated that the CRPF is not new to Kerala, emphasizing that the only distinctive aspect is the inclusion of Governor Khan with a select group of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers enjoying central protection. This remark triggered a strong reaction from the BJP, with the party accusing CM Vijayan of insulting the CRPF and demanding an apology to the nation and its people, as per PTI.

Later, BJP called for an apology from the CM to the nation and its people over the purported remarks against the central force.

Union Minister and BJP leader V Muraleedharan launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Vijayan, characterizing the RSS as a great organization. Muraleedharan argued that suggesting a force formed to serve the country protects activists of a specific organization is an insult. He further contended that Vijayan, as the head of the home department, demeaned Malayalees with such statements and called for an apology from the chief minister for allegedly insulting the CRPF, reported PTI.

The BJP leader further alleged that Vijayan, in his role as the home minister, had failed to ensure adequate security for the governor.