Varier now a part of secular fold: Jifri Thangal

Kozhikode: Samastha president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said on Tuesday that former BJP leader Sandeep Varier, who recently joined the Congress, has become a part of the secular fold. He added that every person in the country has the freedom to choose the politics of his/her choice. Jifri Thangal said so when Varier called on him at his residence in Malappuram. Thangal's remarks assume significance amid the controversy that arose after Samastha's mouthpiece published an advertisement by LDF that targeted Varier over his remarks and political stands he took as a BJP functionary.

"In politics, each person has the right to choose the political party he or she likes. Sandeep Varier would have become a part of BJP with the view that the party would do good for India. Later, he might have thought of shifting allegiance, which is a personal choice and Congress accepted him. He has come to the secular fold," said Jifri Thangal.

He added that Samastha has a stand of recognizing everyone and upholding the ideals of communal harmony in all possible manner.

When asked about the controversial advertisement published in Suprabhatham, Thangal said the newspaper publishes all advertisements that are booked by clients.

Varier lauded Samastha and termed it as a shining star in the social, spiritual and educational fields and said that he had great regard for Jifri Thangal. Varier also presented a copy of the Constitution to Thangal. Varier added that he had called on NSS general secretary Sukumaran Nair at Perunna and added that he was glad to have got the approval of the public consciousness of Kerala.