Kannur: A row erupted on Monday after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refused to stand up during the recital of ‘Guru Stuthi’ at the inauguration of the indoor stadium of Sree Narayana College in Kannur. 

Many, including KPCC president K Sudhakaran, alleged that the chief minister insulted Sree Narayana Guru and demanded a public apology from him. 

“Everyone respectfully rises when the Guru Stuthi slokam is recited at Sree Narayana venues. The chief minister should clarify what made him break the tradition,” said Sudhakaran. 

In addition, Vijayan stopped Kadannappally Ramachandran MLA from standing up during the Guru Stuthi also sparked a controversy.

Reportedly, all others including SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, CPM district  secretary MV Jayarajan, had stood up on the dais during the prayer. 

Meanwhile, the incident got widely debated on social media with many people accusing the chief minister of insulting Guru. However, some netizens also pointed out that Vijayan does not rise for prayers at any event.