Weeks after the CPI (M) landed in trouble for carrying Kim Jong-un’s photos on party posters, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sparked a fresh controversy by praising the North Korean leader for standing up to the Unites States.
The CM was attending a CPI (M) district committee meet at Kozhikode on Wednesday when he praised North Korea as a force that fights against the “imperialistic” power.
“North Korea’s resistance against United States is impressive. They have been effective in their efforts to defend pressure from such foreign forces,” said Pinarayi Vijayan in the meet.
The Kerala CM also lauded Kim Jong-un in his speech.
Pinarayi’s comments have already launched a fresh set of memes and tweets criticising him.
One of the memes used the title of a 1995 Malayalam film Aniyan Bava Chetan Bava (Elder Brother, Younger Brother) to poke fun at the Kerala CM and Kim Jong-un.
Another tweet alludes to the North Korean leader’s New Year’s Day speech warning the US that its nuclear arsenal is complete and its nuclear button within easy read. In response, US President Donald Trump taunted stating his nuclear button is “much bigger” and “more powerful”.
Taking a dig at Pinarayi’s praise for Kim Jong-un, the tweet reads, “Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan: I like Kim's button”.
Kim Jong Un: I have a nuclear button on my desk
— Ram (@ramprasad_c) January 5, 2018
Trump: My button is bigger and more powerful
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan: I like Kim's button
https://t.co/lXUaNnZkOl
Now we know the reason behind Kim Jung Un’s posters in Kerala. https://t.co/fanNYawR93
— Vivasvan Shastri (@VivaShastri) January 4, 2018
Pinarayi’s appreciation for the North Korean leader comes weeks after the ruling CPI(M) announced its committee meeting at Nedukandam in Idukki district by putting up posters sporting Kim Jong-un’s image.
Though the Idukki district secretary K Jayachandran distanced the party from the posters, the incident invited widespread criticism.
It was also reported that there was a broad feeling among CPI (M) members at the Idukki meeting that China’s foreign policy towards US is no longer as tough as it used to be. And North Korea in the meanwhile has been taking steps to resist US pressure and its imperialistic force.