Alappuzha: CPM leader and Alappuzha MP A.M. Ariff clarified his decision to share K.T. Jaleel's Facebook post in response to Adv K. Anilkumar's controversial remark surrounding wearing of hijab (Islamic headscarf worn by women) in Malappuram district. Ariff pointed out he decided to share Jaleel's post after CPM State Secretary MV Govindan rejected Anilkumar's statement and said it was not in line with party policy.  

"M.V. Govindan saw the video of Anilkumar's remark and stated that his statement was contrary to party policy. K.T. Jaleel's Facebook post was shared in the backdrop since he had replied in accordance with the party's policy. It is worth noting that the party has not weighed in on the dress code issue. Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who once served as the party's General Secretary, used to wear a turban, as is customary in Punjab. CPM is the organisation that will accept such practices and customs," he said. 

Ariff pointed out that CPM had made a clear stand when the controversy surrounding wearing hijab arose. 

"We should neither make hijab compulsory nor prevent people from wearing it if they want to. Anilkumar should educate himself on matters related to religion and customs. Everyone's religious beliefs are a matter of personal choice. CPM has never taken a stand against such views."

Anilkumar made the remarks at Litmus-23, an atheist conference organised by esSENSE Global at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram. He remarked that CPM influenced the Muslim women in Malappuram to reject the Hijab. However, within no time, KT Jaleel put up a Facebook post saying that Anil Kumar’s comments were strictly personal; Jaleel cleared the air by saying that CPM does not hold such an opinion. The Facebook post was later shared by Ariff.