Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju.

New Delhi: Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju accused Left parties on Saturday of inflicting violence on RSS-BJP cadre in Kerala, which, he claimed, has not been highlighted at the national level.

During a seminar organised by Navodayam, an NGO formed by RSS member P Parmeshvar, the minister maintained that RSS and BJP workers are fighting a "reign of terror" in Kerala "without picking up arms" at a time when some youths in the state have been drawn towards "political fundamentalists".

The minister's apparent reference was to the IS, as a group of people from the state were recently reported to have travelled to Syria and joined the self-styled caliphate.

The minister said that Left leaders are seen at the forefront of discussing human rights, ideals and values in democratic society. "But when we see reality (in Kerala) it is tragic. The atrocities committed (by Left cadre) in Kerala deserve national attention, national debate. But it has never gained the kind of space it should have in our national media, electronic or print. That is why, I think, many people in our country do not know what is going on in Kerala," Rijiju said.

Without naming IS, he said individuals were attracted to "political fundamentalism" not due to economic reasons but "they were ideologically-driven" and described the trend as "sad".

The minister claimed the reports of RSS-BJP workers facing "brutality" at the hands of a "particular political group" are often heard. "To save themselves, to secure positions, people have gone to extreme methods, but I compliment, rather I should salute, especially the RSS workers and BJP workers. They are fighting without resorting to arms. This is really unique," Rijiju said.

He also expressed hopes that given the enthusiasm among RSS-BJP workers in Kerala, the political fortune of the party "will turn" in time to come.

