Thrissur (Kerala), Jul 5 (PTI) Opposition UDF on Saturday criticised the Kerala government over the disciplinary action initiated against a teacher of an aided school for opposing its decision to introduce zumba dance in state-run schools.

Based on the instructions of the general education department, the management of the aided school in Palakkad district recently suspended the teacher pending inquiry over his social media post criticising zumba.

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While talking to reporters here, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said it was not right to suspend a teacher for expressing his opinion over a matter.

He alleged that no action was taken against another teacher who shared the controversial kafir screenshot which had triggered a huge political row in the state during the time of Lok Saba election.

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No action was taken against him then because he was a CPI(M) member, the LoP charged.

Criticising the Left government's latest action, Satheesan sought to know don't a teacher have the right to express his opinion about zumba dance.

"The higher education department has pressured the management to take action against the teacher. It should be withdrawn. It is not good for Kerala," Satheesan added.

The zumba programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance, which combines aerobic movements performed to lively music, would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people.

From this academic year, many schools have begun offering zumba training.

However, some Muslim organisations came out against the government's decision.

The Kerala government, last week, stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)