Islamic State and RSS spread communalism in Kerala: CPM

The Government of India and intelligence agencies may not fully endorse it,  but the CPM Politburo member and Kerala state secretary of the party Kodiyeri Balakrishnan is sure that the dreaded terror outfit Islamic State (ISIS) is here and is spreading  communalism in the South Indian state. 

"Unlike before, political scene in Kerala is facing new challenges. The RSS is spreading Hindu communalism while the ISIS is encouraging Islamist fundamentalism in the state," Balakrishnan said at a press conference held at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. He was  explaining the decisions of the crucial state committee meeting of the party.

Balakrishnan called for unified action of secular forces to fight both these threats.  There are attempts to fan communal hatred in the state and the extremist elements are using places of worship for their ulterior purpose. He also warned believers against such attempts.  "The CPM will fight against fundamentalists taking over places of worship. The party will take the lead to organise the believers against such forces," he said. 

This is not the first time the CPM leader is equating the RSS and the ISIS. "RSS is an organisation carrying out terrorist activities in the name of Hindu religion," Balakrishnan had stated at a public meeting in Alappuzha on 27 October. "The first terror strike in India was the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. RSS is the Indian version of the ISIS," he added. Just like the ISIS, the RSS also use terror to silence those who stand against their ideology, the CPM leader had alleged. 

This is perhaps the first time the CPM is acknowledging that the ISIS was here and is engaged in activities in Kerala.  

• ISIS Kerala
• Islamic state and RSS
• Kodiyeri Balakrishnan
• CPM on ISIS