The comments were an apparent criticism of the Mujahideen which is widely slammed by the left for its alleged soft approach towards the Sangh Parivar. Earlier, CPM MP John Brittas, while addressing the conference, had expressed a similar sentiment.

Pinarayi said, “The proponents of theocracy have to be rejected to protect secularism. Fear among minorities is increasing day by day. The involvement of those in key positions aggravates the situation. They stand against the interest of the country. We must not compromise with communal forces. Inability to realise that they will use multiple techniques to deceive us will eventually lead to danger.”

He said Kerala is unitedly opposing the communal agenda of RSS which has found its way into all walks of life in the country.

“It is necessary to forget all the small differences and stand together. What we need to discuss here is the attitude we should adopt towards communalism. All secular thinkers should come together. Any intervention that exacerbates the differences will not be helpful,” he said.

The CM also said that when there is a need to oppose or raise a united voice against Sangh Parivar’s alleged move to divide minorities, it should be done openly and none should remain a mute witness to the same.

Religion cannot be identified with communalism, but BJP was using the former to divide people communally, Pinarayi claimed.

He further alleged that the saffron party in some places tries to appease minorities and in some others dominant minority groups are viciously attacked and where either was not possible, there they try to make them fight against each other.

CM said that no religion was above or below another in India, but attempts were being made to subvert this view by way of legislation — like the Citizenship Act — or through use of power.

“Protection of religious minorities in India was necessary and all citizens should be able to live without fear. The country should become a place without any discrimination,” he said.

Muslim League general secretary PK Kunhalikutty also attended the event.