THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Assembly Speaker MB Rajesh has responded to the controversy over him allegedly insulting freedom fighter Bhagat Singh by comparing him to Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji. He also asked why he should apologize for telling a historical fact. Earlier, the Yuva Morcha had lodged a complaint with the Delhi police alleging that Rajesh had insulted Bhagat Singh by comparing him to Variyamkunnan. Rajesh was reacting to this.

"There are many similarities between the deaths of Bhagat Singh and Variyamkunnan. Bhagat Singh was the one who sent a letter saying that he should be shot. On the other hand, Variyamkunnan was the one who said that he should be shot from the front. Why should he apologize for telling historical facts? It is wrong to portray Variyamkunnan as a religious fanatic," Rajesh said.