Balan refuses to apologise to Jamaat-e-Islami

Senior CPI(M) leader A.K. Balan has refused to apologise or pay damages as demanded by Jamaat-e-Islami over his alleged defamatory remarks.

He had claimed that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in Kerala, the Home department would effectively be controlled by Jamaat-e-Islami and that the Marad riot could be repeated.

In response, the Jamaat-e-Islami sent Mr. Balan a legal notice, seeking an apology and ₹1 crore in compensation.

Mr. Balan said he would not apologise and would willingly go to jail if that were the final outcome. He said he was no stranger to legal proceedings. He accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to portray him as having an anti-minority mindset.