Even as the bitter war of words between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the remarks made by Speaker A.N. Shamseer began easing off, the controversy took a new turn on Monday with the Nair Service Society (NSS) launching an offensive on the issue and demanding an apology by the Speaker.
In a statement, G. Sukumaran Nair, general secretary of the community organisation, said it did not behove a person who controlled the State Assembly to raise such a criticism of Hindu gods. “He has crossed the limits and, in any circumstances, what he said cannot be justified,“ said Mr. Nair.
Holding that no person had the authority to challenge the customs and tradition of any religion, Mr. Nair said Mr. Shamseer was no more entitled to continue as Speaker of the Assembly. “He should tender an apology for hurting the sentiments of believers. Or else, the State government should have to take appropriate action against him,” said Mr. Nair.
