Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition UDF leaders have criticised speaker AN Shamseer for his remarks against teaching myths as science in schools.
Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, urged the speaker to withdraw the statement, stating that "there is no need to mix science with faith." He clarified that the Congress party refrained from commenting earlier to avoid further controversy. The party's position is that governments and courts should not interfere with the customs and personal laws of different religions. Satheesan emphasised that belief in faith is important to believers and historical facts, and science should not be confused with faith.
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Ramesh Chennithala, a senior Congress leader, said that the speaker's speech hurt the sentiments of believers and demanded a withdrawal of the comments. Chennithala differentiated the issue from comments made by the prime minister at a Science Congress event, asserting that "saffronising textbooks" is a separate matter, which the Congress party opposes.
Muslim League general secretary PK Kunhalikutty shared a similar view, urging respect for each religion's beliefs and stating that discussions against any belief are not appropriate. While he did not demand the speaker to withdraw the comment, he emphasised that the situation should have been avoided to prevent communal division.
KPCC president K Sudhakaran has extended complete support to NSS which has organised protests against Shamseer on Wednesday.
In response, CPM and the Speaker clarified that the comments were not against any belief but aimed at highlighting the distinction between religion and science. They declined the demand to withdraw the statement and tender an apology.
The controversy stems from Shamseer's remarks during a program at a school in Ernakulam on July 21, where he criticised the union government for promoting Hindu myths as scientific achievements from ancient times. He cited an example of the prime minister mentioning Lord Ganesha as the first person on whom plastic surgery was attempted. The speaker said the government was promoting these through the educational system of the country.
Sangh Parivar organisations, BJP and Nair Services Society demanded an apology from speaker Shamseer.
Published: 02 Aug 2023, 05:05 pm IST
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