KOCHI: BJP state president K Surendran has come down heavily on Minister Mohammed Riyas. Surendran alleged that Riyas has connections with Popular Front. He also said that the CPM made Riyas a minister in order to get votes through the support of Muslim terrorist forces.

Lashing out at the Muslim League, Surendran said that Muslim League is the party of the rich in the community and that the party is not ready to speak about the problems of the poor.

Surendran also responded to the criticism regarding the recent visits made by BJP leaders to churches.

"Let CPM distribute Vicharadhara at all Christian houses. CPM is seizing the opportunity and creating division among Muslims. The state government has failed to address the developmental backwardness of the state. People have realized that only the development visions led by Modi can save the state. Both the LDF and UDF are becoming nervous about the growth of BJP in the state," Surendran said.

"Both fronts are believing that they are the sole protectors of religious minorities. However, these fronts are only seeing religious minorities as mere vote banks. They got scared when the BJP came down to the people," he added.