KC Venugopal Criticizes RSS Over ‘Nandagovindam Bhajans’ Controversy, Calls for Protecting Kerala’s Communal Harmony
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has launched a scathing attack on the RSS and BJP, accusing them of attempting to disturb communal harmony in Kerala. His remarks come in the wake of a controversy surrounding ‘Nandagovindam Bhajans,’ where a Christian devotional song was sung inside a temple.
Venugopal criticized the attempt by the Sangh Parivar to politicize religious practices and foster hatred in the state. He emphasized that Kerala is known for its tradition where temples and churches celebrate festivals like Onam, Vishu, Easter, and Eid together, reflecting a unique culture of communal unity. He asserted that the people of the state would strongly oppose any efforts to destroy this peaceful atmosphere.
“The conspiracy of the Sangh Parivar to hurt the heart of Kerala, which is a fertile land of religious harmony, is crossing its limits,” Venugopal said. “Any force attempting to destroy the peaceful and happy environment of this state by linking music and celebrations with communalism will not be tolerated. We will face this politically, legally, and through the people.”
He further added, “Those who are anxious for an ‘Unreal Kerala Story’ will surely fail.”
The controversy also drew a strong reaction from Youth Congress state secretary Robert Vellamvelli, who highlighted the state’s deep-rooted tradition of religious coexistence. He noted that in Kerala, it is common to see people of different faiths participating in each other’s religious activities, from people of other faiths visiting shrines to participating in food distribution during Ramadan.
Vellamvelli criticized political opponents for trying to spread communal poison, asserting that the majority of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians in Kerala continue to value this harmony. He dismissed the rhetoric against secularism, stating that the people’s support for this inclusivity is the ultimate answer to such divisive ideologies.