Thiruvananthapuram: In an unexpected display of unity between rival Islamic factions, ‘Suprabhatam’, the official organ of the EK Sunni faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has mounted a fierce defence of Islamic scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who heads the other AP Sunni faction.

It also launched a broadside against Chief Minister V D Satheesan for dismissing Kanthapuram’s anti-women remarks.

The rare show of solidarity comes despite long-standing theological and organisational divides between the EK faction, led by Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, and Kanthapuram’s AP Sunni faction.

Editorial defends religious expression

The political row erupted after Kanthapuram remarked that bringing women onto public platforms would result in “great destruction. Satheesan countered strongly, dismissing the cleric's perspective as an idea belonging to the “19th century”.

In a sharp editorial rebuttal, Suprabhatam accused Satheesan of reacting without understanding the context, suggesting his response was based on the information fed to him by internal critics within the community.

“They also failed to read the Prophet, who arrived as a liberator from an era when women were treated as slaves and baby girls were buried alive if they were born, in the right manner,” the editorial noted.

While acknowledging that Satheesan maintained the right to critique the cleric's statement, the publication asserted that Kanthapuram also possessed equal freedom to express his religious doctrine within his own institution.

Satheesan’s political record targetted

Extending its critique beyond the gender debate, the editorial interrogated Satheesan’s political record and shifting ideological stances. It pointedly contrasted his contemporary advocacy for women's rights with his historical opposition to the entry of young women into the Sabarimala shrine.

The piece also highlighted his contentious positions regarding the PM SHRI educational initiative and the Munambam Waqf property dispute.

Highlighting his legislative tenure, ‘Suprabhatam’ observed that despite serving as a lawmaker for nearly a quarter-century, Satheesan never held a Cabinet portfolio during the UDF's two terms in power. It noted, however, that backbench support from younger MLAs eventually elevated him to a dominant position within the Congress and UDF leadership.

The editorial also recalled how political opponents on the Left had sought to label him a “liar", “Jamaat” supporter and “Sanghi”, while referencing his bold prediction that the UDF would secure over 100 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

Political innuendo and the 'Niyogam' reference

In a curious concluding detour, the daily drew a subtle comparison between Satheesan and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala. While acknowledging Satheesan’s public declaration that he reads 75 pages daily, the paper observed that he had never authored a novel. By contrast, it highlighted Chennithala’s literary contribution, a novel titled ‘Niyogam’, a Sanskrit-derived term translating to “destiny” or “calling”, a nod interpreted by political observers as a veiled commentary on future chief ministerial ambitions.

“Ramesh has not said how many pages he reads a day. But he has written a novel—Niyogam,” the editorial stated, adding that the term carries distinct connotations regarding political destiny.

PTI