Thiruvananthapuram: BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday accused ruling and opposition party leaders of abandoning Malayalis in GCC countries for political appeasement. “The attacks by Iran on Gulf countries affect millions of families in Kerala. Despite this, pro-Iran reactions are occurring in state,” he said.Chandrasekhar said the left and right fronts support issues based on vote banks, which fosters religious extremism. He said the Central govt and BJP’s stance is to protect Indians, regardless of the country and that there is no politics in this. “CPM and Congress did not yet condemn Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries. BJP in Kerala stands with expatriate Malayalis,” Chandrasekhar said. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader Priyanka Vadra, who are concerned about Gaza and Iran, remain silent about Christians being killed in Syria and Nigeria. Political leaders fear reacting against Islamic extremism, he added. Many people from Kerala work in GCC countries. “Iran attacked GCC countries without any provocation, yet political leaders are unwilling to react, which is deplorable. Political parties should prioritise people’s safety,” Chandrasekhar said. Prominent members of trans community join BJP As many as 15 transgender persons, including make-up artist Seema Vineeth, joined BJP. They were received by Chandrasekhar at Mararji Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Those who joined BJP include social activist Sreekutty Namitha, Bharatanatyam dancer Adrija Das, Liberty Foundation president Ranjini Pillai, Metro Employees Sangh joint secretary Meera Murali and Kerala Transgender Cricket Team captain Yelohim Adrik.
