Wrong To Link Narcotics Crimes To Particular Religion: Pinarayi Vijayan

Pinarayi Vijayan has rejected outright the "narcotic and love jihad" remarks by the Bishop saying Kerala is a firm terrain of secularism.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated his opposition to the "narcotic and love jihad" remark by a Catholic Bishop in the state and said that attributing crimes related to narcotics to a particular religion is wrong.

As the controversy over Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt's remarks refused to die down, the Chief Minister said that the Kerala society as a whole has not agreed with the Bishop's statement and expressed hope that he would "respond", sensing the stand of the public on the issue.

Mr Vijayan, while addressing a press conference, also rejected the opposition's demand to convene an all-party meeting to resolve the issue, saying the remarks were not made by persons related to any political party.

"The issue is a wrong remark (made by the Bishop). All parties have made their stand clear on the issue", Pinarayi Vijayan said, adding that on the basis of the stand taken by the parties, a response should come from those who made the remarks.