Kerala CM Rejects 'Soft Hindutva' Charge, Defends Temple Visit as Personal Right
By ETF Desk
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sharply rejected criticism labeling his recent temple visit as an act of ‘soft Hindutva’. In a televised statement, he defended his trip as a personal right and decried the politicisation of his actions.
The CM, who has overseen an increase in state-led cultural initiatives, faced the allegations after reports surfaced that he had attended a local temple ceremony. Critics argued that the visit appeared to align with a broader political narrative, but Vijayan countered that his motives were purely devotional and not a statement of political ideology.
His response was met with mixed reactions. Supporters praised the affirmation of secular governance, while opposition leaders insisted the visit signalled a shift towards Hindu nationalist policies. The incident underscores the fragile balance between personal religious expression and public office in India’s pluralistic society. Source: Google News – Udupi District.