Thiruvananthapuram: Saji Cherian, Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs of Kerala, has expressed regret over his controversial remarks relating to Malappuram and formally withdrew the statement, issuing an official letter. His move came amid mounting pressure from within the party and outside.

Cherian’s comment that communal polarisation could be inferred from the names of those elected to the Kasaragod municipality and the Malappuram district panchayat triggered widespread protests. The Opposition accused him of targeting a particular community after he criticised both the BJP and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). 

In his statement, Cherian said he was deeply hurt by what he described as a distorted portrayal of his words as being directed against any community. He said the campaign undermined his lifelong commitment to secular values.

He added that his 42 years in public life as a CPM worker had been marked by consistent opposition to communalism and by strong responses to attacks on minorities across the country. He said his record was well known to the people of his constituency and to those who knew him personally.

Cherian said that although his remarks had been misrepresented, he understood that the campaign had caused pain and distress. He said he was particularly hurt that respected individuals, spiritual organisations and religious leaders had misunderstood his intentions.

“If anyone has been hurt or troubled by misunderstanding my words and intentions, I express my unconditional regret,” he said, adding that he was withdrawing the statement.