BJP chief to march against ‘jihadi terrorism’ in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Desperate to broaden the BJP’S base in Kerala, party chief Amit Shah will kick off a 15-day statewide padyatra (foot march) in trouble-torn Kannur in the northern region on October 3, in a bid to “expose red and jihadi terrorism”.

He will meet families of victims of political violence and address a meeting in Pinarayi, the village of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on October 5.

Shah will travel on foot, covering at least 15km a day, according to BJP’S state president Kummanam Rajasekharan. He will camp in Kannur for three days.

Shah will also address a session at Thiruvananthapuram on October 17, the last day of the padyatra. Many central ministers are expected to address the march at different venues.

Called “janaraksha yatra”, the party will “expose ruling CPI(M)’S political intolerance” and the “growing fundamentalist activities” in Kerala, said Rajasekharan. “The CPI(M) believes in politics of annihilation, so it does not allow others to function in villages,” said yatra coordinator, V Muraleedharan.

The CPI(M) has criticised Shah’s upcoming visit saying he causes disruptions.

“He is an expert in fanning trouble and creating rift among people. Wherever he has gone, riots have followed. We are sure people will see through his game plan,” said CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.