Kanam rejects call for all-party meeting on ‘narcotic jihad’

He decries use of religion to divide society

Communist Party of India State secretary Kanam Rajendran has rejected the Opposition demand for an all-party meeting on the “narcotic jihad” controversy.

Mr. Rajendran said in Kannur on Wednesday that political parties had not precipitated the dispute over the narcotic jihad statement. The controversy was the creation of religious leaders. At the current stage, an all-party meet would achieve nothing.

He urged the Pala bishop to introspect about his controversial sermon. Mr. Rajendran said, ideally, the prelate should withdraw or rectify the polarising statement.