THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM is carefully opposing Sangh Parivar's actions of igniting racial tensions over Speaker AN Shamseer's remarks at the launch of the Vidyajyoti program in the Kunnathunad constituency.

The CPM realizes that the Sangh Parivar outfits, especially the BJP-RSS leadership, are using the Speaker's speech as a political weapon as the state is heading into the rush of the Lok Sabha elections and the Puthuppally by-elections. It is in this context that the CPM is preparing for a counter-attack along with defense. The CPM is also careful not to let the issue get out of hand like the Sabarimala women entry controversy.

During his speech, Shamseer stated that even the prime minister leading the central government is promoting myths instead of science. Shamseer pointed out that Sangh Parivar groups are propagating that plastic surgery dates back to mythological times and that Lord Ganesha with a human body and an elephant's face is an example of this. However, the Sangh Parivar protested against the Speaker by interpreting that the Speaker insulted Ganesha's face by associating it with plastic surgery. The CPM, which pointed out that even the Prime Minister had told the story of Ganesha's plastic surgery before, asked how the Speaker can be blamed for saying the same.

The CPM has also demanded that the Congress and the UDF, which have not yet responded on this issue, clarify their position. The Congress leaders are using the threatening speeches made by CPM and BJP leaders following the controversial speech as a weapon. The question raised by Congress is why no case has been filed against the leaders of both parties despite the murder calls.