Idukki/Malappuram (Kerala) | A group of activists from the Muslim Youth League, the youth wing of the Congress ally IUML, on Thursday allegedly raised provocative slogans against top leaders of prominent Hindu caste organisations, the NSS and SNDP Yogam, in Kerala.
The incident prompted the outfit's state leadership to suspend its Idukki district committee.
The incident was reported from Thodupuzha in this hill district during a demonstration held to congratulate V D Satheesan, soon after the Congress high command announced him as the new Kerala Chief Minister.
In a statement, Muslim Youth League general secretary P K Firos said the Idukki district committee of the outfit had been suspended for "violating party discipline and decorum, and for making provocative slogans and conducting public remarks/announcements."
Earlier, visuals aired by news channels showed Muslim Youth League activists raising provocative slogans against Nair Service Society (NSS) general secretary G Sukumaran Nair and SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan.
The two leaders had alleged IUML pressure behind Satheesan’s selection as Chief Minister of the state.
Kochi | Church leaders in Kerala on Thursday congratulated Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan after the AICC announcement and urged that priority be given to pro-people governance and social unity.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) extended its congratulations to Satheesan and all elected representatives.
KCBC president Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, in a statement, said the body hopes the new government will uphold the trust placed in it by the people and ensure fair governance free from discrimination.
"A culture of development that encompasses everyone—regardless of differences or group identities—must grow in the state, rooted in democratic values and the Constitution. The Kerala Catholic Church pledges its full support and cooperation for all pro-people activities of the government aimed at the peace and progress of the land," the statement said.
The KCBC said the government should find creative solutions to the various contemporary crises facing the state.
"The serious life struggles of high-range farmers and coastal communities deserve priority consideration. Special projects and active interventions are essential to alleviate their hardships and improve their living conditions," it said.
The council also expressed hope that the government would adopt an approach prioritising the welfare of the marginalised.
"The Catholic community in Kerala believes that the new government will ensure social security while maintaining the traditional communal harmony of the state. We pray that the Almighty helps all representatives, who are destined to be the architects of a ‘New Kerala’, to work with dedication," the statement added.
Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Church, also extended prayers and wishes to Satheesan, expressing hope that he would lead Kerala towards a new path of development.
In a press release, he said Satheesan should uphold the secular values of the Constitution and lead by including all sections of society.
Catholicos expressed hope that Satheesan would be able to transform Kerala into a "state of possibilities".
Noting that Satheesan is assuming office at a challenging time, he said the new government faces the task of turning Kerala from a "consumer state" into a "state of opportunities."
"People of Kerala have high expectations from the new government in areas such as progress in IT and tourism, fulfilment of electoral promises, tackling the menace of alcohol and drug abuse, and creating more employment opportunities to curb migration abroad," the statement said.
Catholicos emphasised that development should not ignore people, but must be carried out with their trust and participation.
He added that Satheesan’s experience as Leader of the Opposition, gained through engaging with the people and understanding their concerns, would help guide governance in the right direction.