Keralam’s Firm Stance Against Divisive Communal Narratives

Kochi: Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan has firmly stated that any attempts to create communal tension will not be tolerated, following Kochi police booking a North Indian vlogger over a controversial Instagram video about an Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. He emphasised that the state's communal harmony must remain intact.

Tourist vloggers often visit Keralam in large numbers to see its destinations, food, and culture without adding any communal angles. The vlogger questioned why portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah were displayed together at the Kashi Art Cafe.

These portraits are part of a historical contemporary artwork created years ago by renowned artist Riyas Komu, which juxtaposes the two leaders from Gujarat to highlight their shared struggle against British rule, their complex lives, and the tragic partition that followed. Ignoring this context, the vlogger tried to push the narrative that Jinnah is being glorified in Keralam.

Social scientists note that content from individuals like Amrit Singh Darren often paints a misleading, polarised picture of the state for outsiders, particularly about minorities and local dietary traditions like beef consumption, which is common in many communities. They argue that these attempts to divide society and cast Keralam in a negative light need to be addressed firmly.

The ruling Congress and opposition LDF are on the same page on this issue. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan has accused Sangh Parivar of outsourcing its hate campaign to online provocateurs. “Having failed to divide Keralam, they are now banking on such hate peddlers.

But Keralam's secular spirit will not yield to their politics of hatred,” he said.

The BJP has also not endorsed the vlogger's views, recognising local sentiments.

However, state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar cautioned against "selective secularism" and stressed equal respect for all Malayalees - Hindus, Christians and Muslims.

Many believe this case is a timely reminder that visitors attempting to communalise Keralam’s food, culture, or social fabric could face legal repercussions. Keralam remains committed to preserving harmony over adopting divisive narratives from elsewhere.