In the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a fierce competition has unfolded in Kerala as both the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strive to win the support of the influential Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). Originating from Jinnah’s Muslim League, IUML’s sway over key seats in Kerala has prompted both parties to vie for its endorsement. In a strategic twist, IUML is leveraging its position to compel Congress and CPI(M) to adopt more assertive Islamist stances in exchange for electoral backing.
As the scheduled Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on 22 January 2024 looms, IUML has issued a stern warning to Congress, insisting on complete alignment with its position for their support. The Muslim outfit Samastha, closely affiliated with IUML, has criticised Congress for what it deems a ‘non-committal’ stance on attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. In an editorial in its mouthpiece Suprabhaatham, Samastha asserted that Congress’s purportedly soft Hindutva approach has led the party into its present situation. The editorial urged Congress to reevaluate its stance, threatening that failure to do so might pave the way for a BJP victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Essentially, the message conveyed was that Congress must explicitly declare its non-attendance, akin to CPI(M), to avoid alienating its Muslim vote bank in Kerala.
Notably, Samastha, the backbone of IUML, is a formidable Muslim body in Kerala with influential clerics and Imams among its ranks. While Samastha has issued a stern warning to Congress, IUML’s state general secretary, P M A Salam, criticised BJP’s communal strategy, emphasising the party’s stand against falling into the trap of communal sentiments.
The editorial in Samastha’s mouthpiece not only commended CPI(M) for refusing to attend the Ram Mandir consecration but also criticised Congress for allegedly adopting a soft Hindutva approach, contrasting it unfavorably with BJP’s hard Hindutva stance. It highlighted instances, such as Kamal Nath’s gestures in Madhya Pradesh, as futile attempts that did not aid Congress in retaining power.
Despite Congress’s vocal opposition to the Ayodhya ceremony, IUML and Muslim bodies from Kerala seem insistent on a more assertive stance. Even Sam Pitroda’s comments on democracy being undermined by the emphasis on the Ram Mandir did little to assuage IUML’s concerns. The underlying message from IUML and its ally, Samastha, is clear – Congress must overtly cater to Muslim sentiments and adopt a hardline approach if it harbors aspirations of regaining power, especially with Hindu votes consolidating towards BJP.
Interestingly, this battle for IUML’s attention had surfaced earlier in November, with E. P. Jayarajan of CPI(M) criticising Congress’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, revealing dissent within the IUML. The complex interplay of religious sentiments, electoral strategies, and ideological posturing continues to shape the political landscape in Kerala as the 2024 elections draw near.
Why Congress Declined Invitation and ask their leaders to stay away from Ram Mandir ??
This is an article came in SAMASTA’s mouthpiece!!
The article starting like this,
“Will Congress step foot where the mosque was demolished??
Then congress will end-up like a trash in the… pic.twitter.com/hRq9qssS78
— महारथी-മഹാരഥി (@MahaRathii) December 28, 2023
Amid reports of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s potential attendance at the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya on January 22, the Congress stated that a decision would be made and communicated at the appropriate time.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have also received invitations to the event. Party communication chief Jairam Ramesh clarified that senior leader Sam Pitroda’s comments did not represent the official stance of the Congress. The invitation issue has been discussed within the party, with a meeting of top leaders to decide the party’s position.
The invitation may not be transferable, adding complexity to the situation. The Congress has differing opinions within its ranks and among its allies on this issue, making it a sensitive matter. While the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) opposes it, they have now ‘left the decision to the Congress’. The Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance is divided on the matter, with various leaders taking different stances. Despite past statements favoring the construction of the Ram Temple, the situation remains contentious within the party.
Congress & IUML
Rahul Gandhi’s recent assertion labelling the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as “completely secular” during his recent US trip questioned the nature of the alliance between Congress and IUML in Kerala. Gandhi’s claim contradicts historical ties between IUML and the All India Muslim League (AIML), founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, advocating for the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
The complex web of alliances unfolds further with IUML’s unconditional support for Congress in the upcoming Telangana assembly elections. IUML’s national general secretary, PK Kunhalikutty, expressed a commitment to collaboratively form a new government against the governing “fascists.”
During the 2019 Kerala general elections, Congress and IUML joined forces, evident in the proliferation of Muslim League flags during Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad roadshow. Reports suggest Congress instructed IUML not to display flags, fearing repercussions in North India elections, indicating a delicate balance in their alliance.
The historical backdrop reveals IUML’s roots in the AIML, a party pivotal in the partition of British India. M. Muhammad Ismail, IUML’s first President, played a role in the country’s partition, championing IUML as a secular group despite supporting Sharia law for Indian Muslims post-independence.
(With inputs from OpIndia)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.