Pinarayi Vijayan accuses IUML of allying with Jamaat-e-Islami to undermine communism

Kozhikode (Kerala): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a strong attack on the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on Saturday, accusing it of aligning itself with communal and terror groups like Jamaat-e-Islami in its eagerness to defeat the communist movement.

Defence from KPCC Chief

In response, K Sudhakaran, the chief of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and a key ally of the IUML, accused Vijayan of ostracising minority organisations to strengthen his ties with the RSS. Sudhakaran defended the IUML and challenged the CM’s claims.

Earlier, during the release of the book Keralam: Muslim Rashtreeyam - Rashtreeya Islam by CPI(M) state committee member P Jayarajan, Vijayan stated, "A great danger posed by the League (IUML) is that in its eagerness to defeat the communists, it joins forces with the SDPI, Jamaat-e-Islami and any other communal terrorist organisation." He emphasised that such alliances not only bolster communal groups but also threaten the relevance of the IUML, facilitating the Sangh Parivar's efforts to strengthen religious polarisation in the state.

Call for Clarity

Vijayan urged the IUML to declare that it would not cooperate with religious extremists or terror groups, questioning its ability to do so. Sudhakaran countered this by asserting that Vijayan's rejection of minority organisations was aimed at appeasing the RSS and the Sangh Parivar leadership.

Historical Alliances

Sudhakaran alleged that the CPI(M) had long-standing ties with the Jamaat-e-Islami and had previously allied with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdul Nazer Mahdani. He claimed that the Left party had collaborated with both the Jamaat and the SDPI — the political wing of the banned Popular Front of India — in various elections.

He argued that Vijayan was now dismissing these groups to satisfy the Sangh Parivar, labelling the CPI(M)’s claims of secularism as politically motivated.

Allegations Against Malappuram District

Sudhakaran contended that the CPI(M) was attempting to stir up religious sentiments to navigate the political crisis it was facing. He noted that the CM’s remarks about Malappuram district were part of this strategy. “It was the CM who tried to portray Malappuram district as a hub for hawala and gold smuggling. He also sought the help of PR agencies for that,” he added.

IUML's Legacy and Accusations of Maligning

In response to Vijayan's accusations regarding Malappuram, Sudhakaran highlighted the IUML's "proud history of seven and a half years of upholding constitutional values." He stated that the contributions of IUML leaders to Kerala's development were significant and did not require validation from the CM.

He further asserted that the IUML had launched a campaign against the LDF for allegedly maligning Malappuram, countering that the IUML was being unfairly portrayed. “No one has said anywhere that there are more cases in Malappuram district. There is no such thing in any official document. Not only that, Malappuram is in the list of districts with relatively least crime,” he emphasised.

Vijayan countered this by citing that 42,676 FIRs were registered in Malappuram district in 2023, significantly lower than over 100,000 in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. He affirmed that if there is a complaint, a case must be registered to uphold the rule of law.

PTI