BJP Leader Hits Out at UDF Ministers Over Silence on Cleric's Remarks
BJP's Muraleedharan criticizes UDF ministers K.M. Shaji and N. Samsuddeen for not condemning Kanthapuram's remarks on women, calling their silence tacit approval.
BJP leader V. Muraleedharan has taken aim at two ministers in Kerala's opposition UDF, accusing them of endorsing controversial remarks made by a prominent cleric through their silence. In a strongly worded Facebook post, he questioned why K.M. Shaji and N. Samsuddeen have not publicly distanced themselves from the statements.
Muraleedharan argued that the ministers' failure to respond amounts to a tacit endorsement of the views expressed by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, who recently made comments about women that have sparked political debate. The BJP leader said such silence is not neutral but a form of approval.
He has now thrown down the gauntlet to the opposition party's leadership, demanding they formally ask the cleric to apologise. The challenge places the UDF in a difficult position, as it seeks to balance its political alliances and social commitments.
The controversy has added fresh friction to Kerala's already charged political atmosphere, with the BJP seeking to corner the opposition on issues of gender sensitivity and social justice.