Vijay backs Balan on Muslim clout risk

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has defended senior leader A K Balan over remarks cautioning that a change of government could open space for communal forces, sharpening the political argument in Kerala as parties trade charges over intent, alliances and gov er nance.

- HD Bureau

Vijayan said the state's political tradition requires firm opposition to any expression of communalism, adding that Balan’ss comments were rooted in Kerala’s historical experience rather than an attempt to stigmatise communities. He underlined that the Left Democratic Front would resist sectarian mobilisation regardless of who deploys it, framing the issue as one of safeguarding constitutional values and social harmony.