Tirur: PMA Salam, the State General Secretary of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), has stirred controversy with remarks claiming that men and women are not equal. He argued that the world has not accepted the concept of gender equality, labelling the call for equality as a denial of reality.

Speaking to the media in Malappuram, Salam emphasised that women deserve social justice rather than equality with men. He clarified that the IUML's position favours gender justice, not equality. "Why raise arguments that are impractical and against human logic? Can we truly say that men and women are equal in all respects? Has the world accepted this?" he asked.

He went on to point out that women compete separately in Olympic events and that special seats are allocated for women on buses. According to Salam, these differences exist because the genders are not equal.

Salam's remarks have sparked criticism, with several questioning whether they reflect the official stance of the IUML. Critics have urged party leaders to clarify their position on gender equality.