Saji Cherian
| Photo Credit: H. VIBHU
Kerala Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) apologised for his statements on Malappuram and Kasaragod districts which had kicked up a raging political controversy in the State.
The Minister had made a statement in Alappuzha on Sunday stating that communal polarisation was evident in the recently local body polls as seen by the names of those who had won in the Malappuram district panchayat and Kasaragod municipality, leading to the Opposition parties accusing him of attempting to ignite communal polarisation by making provocative statements aimed at reaping gains in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
In a statement issued from the Minister’s office on Wednesday morning, Mr. Cherian said he was “hurt by the fact that a campaign” was being carried out by “distorting” his words to make it seem as if these were directed against a particular group.
“The propaganda campaign is aimed at hurting the secular stance that I have adopted and maintained in my life till now. An attempt is being made to tarnish my public life, which has been spent in working for all people equally, regardless of caste or religion, by tying it to communalism. As a CPI(M) worker who has consistently and strongly responded to attacks on minorities across the country, I have taken an uncompromising stance against communalism in my public life for the past 42 years. I have also faced many hardships as a result of all this,” he said.
He further said that although his statement was distorted, he “understood that the campaign caused hardship and pain” to many people.
“It also hurts me that some individuals, spiritual organisations and spiritual leaders whom I respect misunderstood me. If anyone has been hurt or distressed by what I said, by misunderstanding my intentions, I sincerely apologise. I retract the statement I made,” he said.
Mr. Cherian, who was supposed to hold a press conference later in the day, cancelled the same and chose to limit his reactions to a press release.
His controversial statement had put the CPI(M) on the defensive even as the Opposition parties called for his ouster.
Congress calls for action
Meanwhile, reacting to the statement, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph said the government and the party would have to take strict action against Mr. Cherian.
“This issue will not end with a press release. The CPI(M), which has tried to protect him, has to take action against him. The Congress will raise the demands for his ouster both inside and outside the Assembly,” he said.
Published – January 21, 2026 12:43 pm IST
