Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7 (IANS): Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat Tuesday termed the present controversy surrounding his party and Jesus Christ as a needless one and one that had been created purposely.

"There is a conspiracy behind this. I wish to repeat what Fidel Castro said to the Catholic community long ago that Christianity has got a 10,000 times more coincidences with Communism than Capitalism," said Karat.

Karat made this remark while inaugurating the 20th party state conference of the Kerala unit of the CPI(M).

Since the past few days, Kerala's Marxists have been facing trouble over Christ. First, a painting of Jesus was placed along with Communist icons including Che Guevera at an exhibition titled "Marx is Correct". Next, a look-alike picture of Jesus Christ's 'The Last Supper', which had Barack Obama and Congress and BJP leaders superimposed on it started being circulated.

And quick to hit back at the CPI(M) for this was the Congress party which asked for an apology.

The Church also did the same prompting Karat to make the remark while addressing the delegates at the state party conference.

"We are never against religion but we are against religious fundamentalism and terrorism," stated Karat.

He also added that allegations against the CPI(M) are baseless.

"The performance of the V.S. Achuthanandan government (2006-11) was good and now baseless charges are being levelled against him. The party will stand united against all the allegations that are being levelled against our party and our leaders. The Congress party is using the investigating agencies against us and soon people will soon get to know about this," said Karat.

The party conference ends Friday, when it would elect its state secretary and its state committee.