THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary MV Govindan said that the Congress was proclaiming secularism only in Kerala even as it adopts a soft Hindutva approach elsewhere in the country. He also said that the Congress has been trying to pretend that it is an alternative to BJP at the national level. Govindan was speaking at the Meet the Press program organized by the District Committee of Kerala Journalists Union at Kesari Hall.

"BJP's policy is to disintegrate other governments. We have seen this in Maharashtra. The attempt was unsuccessful in Bihar. The BJP is trying to do the same in Delhi as well. In South India, they are targeting Kerala. As a part of this, we saw the ED flying around the state at the time of the last assembly elections. My mission is to coordinate the party by providing all support to the state government," Govindan said.

When asked about Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, Govindan replied that the CPM does not have any objection to any party conducting such a Yatra. "There is a dispute within the Congress about the identity of the party. Senior leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad keep saying what the Congress is. It is not possible to say who all will leave the Congress. Their Yatra cannot bring any change in Kerala politics," he said.

When asked whether he will resign as minister, Govindan said that it is up to the party to decide about his resignation. "It is the party that decided to make me state secretary while I was serving as minister. The party will take a decision on new ministers as well. RSS, BJP and ABVP are trying to create problems in Thiruvananthapuram. Attacks were carried out against the party DC office and District Secretary's house as part of this. The attack on the DYFI district president is the latest among such attacks. If necessary, we will mobilize the people and defend. Police are functioning well. If the policy of the police needs to be changed, that matter will be considered. The accused who attacked the AKG Centre will be arrested soon," he added.