Kerala CM Satheesan Defends Temple Visit, Denies 'Soft Hindutva' Claims

The Kerala Chief Minister, Satheesan, publicly rejected claims that his recent visit to the Mahathiraj Temple in Bengaluru promoted a 'soft Hindutva' narrative. He said the decision was a personal choice and not a political statement.

The comments surfaced after a group of opposition leaders accused the council of favouring certain religious agendas, citing the CM’s attendance at the site during a time of inter-religious tension. Satheesan, in a press release, clarified that his visit was in line with宗"# provisions regarding freedom of worship and was not meant as a political message.

With the controversy drawing attention across Karnataka, the CM reiterated that the state's secular policies remain intact. He added that the government would maintain open dialogue with all communities while upholding the constitutional principle of religious equality. Source: Google News – Udupi District.