Kerala polls: CPI(M) slams UDF’s Ramesh Pisharody over Gaza stance; Thomas Isaac’s ‘joker’ jibe sparks row

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has raised questions about the “apolitical” nature of actor Ramesh Pisharody, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in the Palakkad constituency in Kerala, pointing at his statements dismissing protests in Kerala against the deaths in Gaza.

CPI(M) central committee member T.M. Thomas Isaac as well as CPI(M) Palakkad district secretary E.N. Suresh Babu have over the past two days highlighted the comments made by Mr. Pisharody some months ago.

Speaking at a public event, Mr. Pisharody had said that the protests for Palestine in Kerala did not yield any result other than creating enmity between people. “We are witnessing several protests here also over the Israel-Palestine issue. These are issues that have been happening for years. Any protest or statement here in solidarity with or against these issues will only lead to conflicts over religion and caste between common people who are not at all connected to these issues. Other than that, there is no other result from these protests,” he had said.

Speaking in Palakkad on Sunday evening, Mr. Isaac said that the Congress should have fielded a candidate “who could speak politics” and has the support of the public rather than “a joker.”

“Mr. Pisharody claims that the killings of thousands, including children, should not be discussed here as these things do not affect us. He should at least understand the Congress’ stand on this issue. After fielding such a candidate, the Congress is raising baseless allegations of a deal between the LDF and the BJP, ignoring their own history of allying with the BJP in elections,” said Mr. Isaac.

Mr. Pisharody then told mediapersons that he was “not making any unnecessary tit-for-tat” response to Mr. Isaac. “Culture is not something that can be attained by protesting. I don’t understand why the Left movement, which was built up by performers from KPAC, has turned against artistes now,” he said.

After the ‘joker’ reference about the actor kicked up a controversy, Mr. Isaac apologised for the remarks. However, he reiterated that he never questioned Mr. Pisharody’s capabilities as an actor, but raised a political criticism on his stand on the Palestine issue.

Spoke like a half-Sanghi: Babu

Mr. Babu said that Mr. Pisharody’s remarks on the Gaza deaths do not behove well for a politician. “He spoke like a half-Sanghi. Only Sangh Parivar supporters can justify Israel’s actions,” he said.