<div>BJP Kerala president Kummanam Rajasekharan’s statement on regulation of businesses run by non-Hindus near temples has triggered a row with ruling Congress and Opposition CPM leaders slamming the statement over its divisive tone. <br /><br />Rajasekharan had said on Saturday, after formally taking over as the party’s new state president, that respective temple committees could take a decision on the matter.<br /><br />Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday said Rajasekharan’s statement was in conflict with Kerala’s heritage and history of communal harmony. <br /><br />Chandy also said the government was open to address “practical issues” in connection with businesses run by non-Hindus near temples. “Kerala expected a more mature approach from the BJP leadership. People who try to spread hate in this secular state will be discarded,” Chandy said in a statement here.<br /><br />Rajasekharan, however, clarified on Monday that his words were being misconstrued for political gains. “All I’ve said is that this is an internal matter of respective temple authorities and they can take a call on it. <br /><br />This is my opinion on churches and mosques as well,” he told reporters. Rajasekharan, a RSS-backed choice for the BJP’s top post in Kerala, had also questioned what he called the state government’s unfair controls on temple management.</div>
<div>BJP Kerala president Kummanam Rajasekharan’s statement on regulation of businesses run by non-Hindus near temples has triggered a row with ruling Congress and Opposition CPM leaders slamming the statement over its divisive tone. <br /><br />Rajasekharan had said on Saturday, after formally taking over as the party’s new state president, that respective temple committees could take a decision on the matter.<br /><br />Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday said Rajasekharan’s statement was in conflict with Kerala’s heritage and history of communal harmony. <br /><br />Chandy also said the government was open to address “practical issues” in connection with businesses run by non-Hindus near temples. “Kerala expected a more mature approach from the BJP leadership. People who try to spread hate in this secular state will be discarded,” Chandy said in a statement here.<br /><br />Rajasekharan, however, clarified on Monday that his words were being misconstrued for political gains. “All I’ve said is that this is an internal matter of respective temple authorities and they can take a call on it. <br /><br />This is my opinion on churches and mosques as well,” he told reporters. Rajasekharan, a RSS-backed choice for the BJP’s top post in Kerala, had also questioned what he called the state government’s unfair controls on temple management.</div>
