Kerala Congress leader who demanded investigation into ‘Love Jihad’ backtracks

Why are the Communist Party leaders so sensitive about ‘Love Jihad’ investigation ? This can only mean that they tacitly support those involved in ‘Love Jihad’, and hence, will not permit any investigation !

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) : Kerala is gearing up for Legislative Assembly polls on 6^th April. The State’s ruling LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) Leader Jose K Mani had said that if the public has any apprehensions about ‘Love Jihad’ it should be addressed. But under pressure of Communist Party leaders, Mani backtracked.

Responding to a question on ‘Love Jihad’, Mani had replied, ‘Since such an issue has come into the fore … it should be examined. If there is something in this issue, it should be addressed. If the public still has apprehensions, it should be studied with clarity’.

Upon this, a Communist Party leader said, “This is Mani’s personal opinion. In our manifesto, it has been made clear that the word ‘Love Jihad’ has been created by communal forces”. State BJP Chief K Surendran, whose party has promised a law against ‘Love Jihad’ if the party is voted to power, said Mani’s statement has revealed that the issues raised by the BJP have relevance in the State.

Mani’s statement welcomed by Christians

Mani’s statement was supported by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC), which feels that ‘Love Jihad’ is an important issue in the State. Welcoming Mani’s statement, KCBC said they were happy about Mani’s response on the issue and asked major political parties in the State to reveal their stand on the matter.