BJP removes Wayanad district president after controversial 'cassock-clad people' remark

WAYANAD: BJP district president KP Madhu has been removed from his post after a remark that the cause of the Pulpally conflict was 'cassock-clad people' courted controversy. Prashant Malavayal has been given the charge instead.

Madhu stated that the police were unilaterally filing a case against the BJP workers and that it was some of the cassock-clad people who had called for violence in Pulpally. Bishop Mar Jose of Mananthavady Diocese came out against this remark. After the controversy, Madhu backtracked on the statement, but the BJP took drastic action after heavy protests. The proximity of the Lok Sabha elections has also led to the fast action. The BJP state leadership had summoned Madhu the previous day and sought an explanation.

The controversial statement

"When people protested, they arbitrarily targeted only one party. It is not acceptable to file a case targeting only one party. It is not going to be allowed. While announcing the decision of the all-party meeting, some people in cassocks shouted 'don't let them go, catch them, beat them", etc. People were outraged on that basis. After that, there was conflict and stone pelting. Cases were not filed against any of them. If the decision is taken unilaterally to proceed with the case, the BJP will not accept it under any circumstances", Madhu said.s