Kochi: In an apparent dig at CPI(M), Defence Minister AK Antony on Saturday said the `Stalinist style of functioning` was prevalent in Kerala even now, though it was a thing of the past in Europe and other parts of the world due to which incidents like brutal murders were taking place.
"In many places in Europe and other countries the Stalinist style of functioning` was a thing of the past. But in Kerala it is prevalent even now due to which incidents like brutal murders were taking place," he said.
He was apparently referring to the murder of Marxist rebel and Revolutionary Marxist Party leader TP Chandrasekharan in which some CPI-M leaders have been arrested for their alleged involvement.
Antony called for checking the `increasingly dangerous trend` of religious fundamentalism in Kerala which he said was strengthening its roots in the state.
`Religious fundamentalism is getting stronger in Kerala and that is dangerous. Congress workers should be vigilant," he said in his inaugural address after declaring open the district Congress office `Karunakara Bhavan`, named in memory of late Chief Minister K Karunakaran.
`This culture needs to change and should not be acceptable to literate Kerala`, he said adding degradation of values was increasing and party workers should arrest this trend.
Stressing the need to strengthen Congress, he urged activists to find time for party work. Congress workers should go to the grassroots, he said.
Kerala Chief Minister Ooomen Chandy, Union Ministers Vayalar Ravi and KV Thomas and KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala were among those who spoke.
PTI
