Kerala: CPI(M) Leader AK Balan Claims UDF Will Hand Home Dept to Jamaat, Warns of Marad Riots

In a controversial remark ahead of the Kerala polls, CPI(M) leader AK Balan has claimed that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power, the Home Department could be handed to Jamaat-e-Islami. Balan further warned of 'Marad type riots' in such a scenario. The Congress has hit back at these assertions, with Opposition Leader VD Satheesan stating that Balan's remarks mirror the 'hardline Sangh strategy' seen in Gujarat elections and are aimed at creating communal divisions. The comments have triggered a heated political debate in the state.