Kochi: In Kerala, a man found himself in detention after expressing the view that Bhagavan Ganapathy is not a myth in front of Communist MLA and Kerala Assembly speaker AS Shamseer. The incident has raised questions about the apparent violation of his right to freedom of speech and expression, as well as freedom of religion, both guaranteed under Article 19 and 25 of the Constitution.
This incident unfolded during an event where Kerala Assembly Speaker Shamseer, a member of the ruling communist party, was inaugurating the new office of a local Cooperative Bank in Kannur. During the proceedings, a member from the audience boldly stated, "Bhagwan Ganapathy is not a myth." In response, Shamseer was seen giving a sly smile. However, following this incident, the police took the young man into custody. His apparent offense was protesting against Shamseer's recent statement that had been perceived as insulting Bhagwan Ganesha and the principles of Sanatana Dharma.
Kerala Assembly Speaker Shamseer had recently stirred controversy by diminishing the significance of Hindu Gods and their associated concepts as mere myths. Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Vidya Jyothi project' in Kunnathunad constituency, Ernakulam district, Shamseer cast doubt on the authenticity of Hindu deities and their attributes. He suggested that in the era of artificial intelligence, such traditional beliefs should be discarded as myths.
Shamseer commented, "Plastic surgery is a new invention in medical science. But what is being taught is that plastic surgery had existed in ancient times… The example was Ganapati, with a man's body and an elephant's face. Instead of science, such myths are being promoted." MV Govindan, Kerala State Secretary of the CPI (M), addressed the controversial statements made by Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer in a press conference on August 2, 2023. When asked whether Shamseer would apologize or retract his statements, Govindan firmly stated that there was no need for an apology or retraction.
Govindan defended Shamseer's stance, asserting, "Shamseer will not apologize nor will he retract or rephrase his statements because there is nothing wrong in what he said. When the country is progressing forward in this day and age, their ideologies are bringing it backward, and we are against it." However, this stance appeared contradictory when reporters pressed further. When asked if Lord Ganapati was also considered a myth, Govindan's response seemed to reveal a certain level of inconsistency. He remarked, "Is Ganapati science then? Let us look at myths as myths only. The formation of Kerala is also a myth, right? We are not against believers."
This contradiction became even more apparent when another reporter questioned whether Allah was also deemed a myth. Govindan's response was carefully worded, as he acknowledged that not all beliefs of believers were considered myths. He stated, "What I said was that all beliefs of believers are not a myth. There are plenty of myths, like I said, the formation of Kerala is also one. Believers can follow their beliefs. They could consider things divine that are presented as divine. We don't question it. There are myths and those that are not." In light of these contradictory statements, the incident has brought to the forefront the issue of double standards and the selective application of principles concerning freedom of speech, expression, and religious beliefs in Kerala's political landscape.
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