Shamseer’s remark: Salim Kumar suggests renaming Devaswom minister as 'mythism' minister

Kochi: In the midst of a heated political controversy surrounding Kerala Speaker AN Shamseer's recent speech on 'science vs myths,' Mollywood actor Salim Kumar took a satirical swipe at the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government.

On Thursday, August 3, the acclaimed actor humorously suggested renaming the Devaswom minister as the 'mythism' minister and referred to the offerings made at temples as 'myth-money' on social media.

The ongoing dispute was sparked by Speaker Shamseer's speech at an event in Ernakulam on July 21, where he criticized the promotion of myths over science and mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reference to Lord Ganesha as an example of ancient plastic surgery. This speech drew ire from the BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Nair Service Society (NSS), and others, who alleged that it hurt Hindu religious sentiments.

The BJP even filed a police complaint against Shamseer, and the NSS organized a 'faith protection day' in the state as a show of opposition. BJP state president K Surendran drew parallels between this situation and the Sabarimala protests, intensifying the political tension.

However, the CMP-M stood firmly by Shamseer, with party state secretary MV Govindan stating that there were deliberate attempts to polarize the people by misinterpreting the Speaker's speech. Shamseer himself questioned how promoting scientific temper could hurt religious sentiments.