CPI-M state secy defends controversial speech

Defending his alleged controversial speech that CPI(M) cadres should not remain mere spectators to attacks by political rivals, the party's Kerala state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today said that his remark was in accordance with law.
"I am even ready to go to jail. My speech was in accordance with law. I have only said about resistence for self defence," Balakrishnan said here, referring to various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Addressing a meeting against 'RSS attacks' on CPI(M) workers at Payyannur in politically sensitive Kannur district last week, Balakrishnan had reportedly said that "If someone comes to attack us, they should not go back as they came."

He made the controversial speech days after the murder of CPI(M) worker Dhanaraj allegedly by BJP workers on July 11.
Congress and BJP have demanded registering a case against Balakrishnan for allegedly 'exhorting' violence.
Police have said they would examine video clippings of his purported controversial speech.