"Deeply malicious": Kerala CM condemns 'mini-Pakistan' comment by Maharashtra Minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday condemned the Maharashtra Minister's comment labelling the state as a 'mini-Pakistan'.

In a message, the Chief Minister said "The derogatory remark by Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane, labelling Kerala as ‘mini-Pakistan’, is deeply malicious & utterly condemnable."

"Such rhetoric reflects the hate campaigns orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar against Kerala, a bastion of secularism & communal harmony," he said.

"We strongly denounce this vile attack on Kerala, & call upon all democratic & secular forces to unite against Sangh Parivar’s hateful propaganda," Vijayan added.

Earlier, Nitesh Rane who termed Kerala as a 'mini-Pakistan' said Hindu population is decreasing in Kerala where Love Jihad cases are increasing. He also compared the situation in Kerala with the way Hindus are treated in Pakistan.