THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that disgracing in the name of caste has become a new trend. He was responding to the question about as BJP leader’s statement about the CM’s caste. Earlier, the BJP mouthpiece had published a cartoon disgracing the Chief Minister.

“They are constantly reminding me that I belong to this caste. During the times of Chaaturvarnya, there was certain jobs allotted to certain castes. My father was a toddy tapper. I have told that many times. My siblings also had worked as toddy tappers. Therfore, many people are thinking that Vijayan should also be a toddy tapper. My father and grandfather had worked hard during those times and they had no time to tackle such issues in society. However, times have changed, right?” asked CM with a smile.

"The shopkeepers’ stand that they will open the shops on the day of hartal has set an example. Police will provide protection for shops. Some isolated incidents have occurred across the state. Police were not able to reach there in time. Police will take strong action to protect the shopkeepers," he added.