Kozhikode (Kerala): A physical exercise routine, Multi-Exercise Combination 7 (MEC 7), which claims to blend various disciplines including Yoga, has sparked a political and social controversy in Kerala. The program, popular in North Kerala, has ignited a row involving the CPM, BJP, and several Muslim organizations, with accusations linking it to banned groups such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and Jama'at-e-Islami.

Allegations of Links with Banned Groups

The CPM and certain Muslim organizations have raised concerns about the involvement of the PFI and Jama'at-e-Islami in promoting the MEC 7 workout, accusing them of using it as a platform to further their agenda. The BJP, along with the Left and Sunni factions, have joined the fray, calling the initiative “mysterious.”

BJP leader and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan echoed these allegations, suggesting that there is substantial evidence to believe that the PFI, Jama'at-e-Islami, and the National Development Front (NDF) are behind the initiative. He called on the state to remain vigilant, adding, “There are sufficient reasons to believe the groups have a hand in it.”

CPM and Sunni Group Raise Concerns

The controversy was further fuelled when CPM Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan alleged that Jama'at-e-Islami, with support from PFI workers, was organising the physical exercise sessions in various areas. Speaking at a public meeting in Taliparamba, Kannur, last month, Mohanan claimed that the programme was operating through WhatsApp groups, managed by PFI leaders, and demanded a thorough investigation.

The allegations were subsequently supported by the Sunni group led by Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar, with Muhammadali Kinalur, Kozhikode district secretary of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), expressing serious concerns over the motives behind MEC 7. He questioned whether the exercise program was merely a cover for promoting political and religious agendas. Perode Abdurrahman Saqafi, another Sunni leader, suggested that the programme could be an attempt by Jama'at-e-Islami to undermine Sunni ideals.

MEC 7 Defends Itself

Despite the allegations, the organisers of MEC 7 have strongly rejected these claims. Bava Arakkal, the ambassador of the program, clarified that the initiative was inclusive, stating that its members came from various religious and political backgrounds. “MEC 7 provides a platform for everyone, regardless of caste, religion, or political beliefs,” Arakkal said in a television interview.

He explained that the program consists of 21 exercises derived from seven disciplines, including yoga, aerobics, physiotherapy, deep breathing, acupuncture, meditation, and massage. These exercises are designed to be completed in just 21 minutes, catering to individuals with busy schedules. Arakkal invited critics to join the sessions, which are conducted without any registration, promotional activities, or rules.

Accusations of Coercion Dismissed

Some critics have alleged that WhatsApp groups are being used to recruit women for the sessions, claiming that women are being "dragged" from their households. However, Brasilia Shamsudeen, a leader of the Vanitha League (the women’s wing of the Indian Union Muslim League) and a coordinator of MEC 7, dismissed these accusations. She stated that there were no hidden motives behind the program. “People, including women from all religions and political backgrounds, join for the sole purpose of improving their health,” Shamsudeen explained.

With PTI inputs