An alleged hate speech by Kerala Congress (B) chief R Balakrishna Pillai, while speaking at a function organised by Nair Service Society (NSS) at Pathanapuram on Sunday, has ignited a controversy.

Pillai’s speech was allegedly directed against the Muslim and Christian communities.

In an audio of his speech released by Manorama News, he has compared the five times namaz call of mosques to barking of street dogs.

Another report by The Times of India says that Pillai also talked about the increase in number of mosques and churches.

“The derogatory speech is aimed at igniting communal violence. The government should take strong and strict action against him for hurting religious sentiments,“ Kerala Muslim Jama-ath Federation president Kadakkal Abdul Azeez Maulavi told ToI.

The Muslim Aikyavedi held protest marches at Pathanapuram and Kottarakkara and said more intense protests would be held if no action is taken against the leader.

As per reports, Kollam rural police have received a complaint on the issue.

However, Pillai denied the allegations and said that the audio clip might be an edited version.