Right wing outfits hold protest rally against Kerala CM visit

Hundreds of activists of BJP and rightwing outfit activists today held a protest rally in Mangaluru against the scheduled visit of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address a communal harmony rally here tomorrow.

Undeterred by the protests, Vijayan asserted that he would go ahead with the visit to attend the rally organised by the CPI-M's Dakshina Kannada district committee.

Citing continuing attacks on BJP/RSS cadres in Kerala, BJP and several outfits such as the VHP have opposed the visit of Vijayan, saying it will lead to political unrest in the district.

Activists of BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagarana Vedike and Sree Rama Sene participated in the protest.

BJP alleged that Vijayan was the "mastermind" behind the crimes against its workers in Kerala, especially in Kannur district.

The district unit of the party has also extended support to a bandh called by VHP and other outfits in Mangaluru tomorrow.

Speaking to reporters in neighbouring Kozhikode, Vijayan said: "I am going there anyway. I saw some statements of BJP leaders. I will respond after my return from Mangaluru".

Mangaluru Police Commissioner Chandrashekar and District Superintendent of Police B G Borase said around 2,000 police personnel in addition to Karnataka State Reserve police will be on security duty tomorrow.

They also said notices had been issued to 44 persons who have called the bandh as per section 107 of IPC (Abetment of an illegal act engaging others) since Supreme Court had given clear directives that none can organise a bandh.

The Commissioner assured full protection to the rally organisers and warned anti-social elements against taking law into their hands during the protest tomorrow.

Ahead of Vijayan's visit, publicity material and furniture at CPI(M) Ullal unit office in Dakshina Kannada district were set afire by unidentified persons last night.

BJP has alleged the CPI(M) heading the ruling LDF in Kerala was behind the killing of members of parties that held different political views and Vijayan was responsible for the current "volatile political situation" in the state.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)