RSS, BJP are not only tarnishing govt, but also insulting people

Left-ruled Kerala is in the news for all the wrong reasons. The murder of an RSS leader in the state capital led to a war of words between the Reds and the saffron forces, putting the spotlight on the debilitating relationship between the state and the Centre. Amid the unrest, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke to HT. Excerpts:

It is part of an orchestrated and malicious campaign. RSS and BJP are not only tarnishing the government, but also insulting the people of Kerala. According to National Crime Records Bureau, Kerala has the lowest murder rates... Here, people are free to eat and cook as per their choice. It does not mean that elements of intolerance are totally absent... However, they can’t unleash violence here because of strong secular conviction of our people. communal riots. People know who the real perpetrators of killings are. These same forces are trying to paint Kerala as a “killing filed” in the name of some isolated incidents. You know BJP-RSS leadership in Kerala is embroiled in corruption scandals. What is more important is that the corrupt dealings were exposed by an inner party inquiry of the BJP itself. We know police alone can’t prevent violence. Support of parties is imperative to maintain peace. Since the present government assumed office a year ago, we have succeeded in containing political violence and all other crimes. Police are free to take impartial action. There is no political interference.