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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why Muslim parties refuse to play the communal card this time
On June 22 this year, when Hindu Munnani organised the 'Muruga Bhaktargal Manadu' (Muruga devotees conference), it was as much a celebration of the Hindu religion as it was a political attempt to 'protect' Lord Murugan from being hijacked by DMK, whose govt organised the Global Lord Murugan Conference in Palani in August last year. A fortnight after the right-wing event in Madurai, when Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), a Muslim party, organised a rally at the same venue, some feared communal tension. However, the MMK stage on July 6 presented a different picture: MMK leader M H Jawahirullah was flanked by Thiruvadikudil Swamigal, a Hindu spiritual leader and the founder of Jothimalai Iraipani Thirukootam, and Rev Jegath Gaspar Raj, a Catholic priest and social activist. A week before the MMK event, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) held its zonal conference in Kayalpattinam in Tuticorin on June 29, where the theme, again, was communal harmony. It appears that the two prominent Muslim parties refuse to play the game of religious polarisation — which they believe would benefit only their political opponents. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Also noteworthy was that the Muslim parties' gatherings came after communal tensions in Thiruparankundram, where a controversy involving worship rights at the Murugan temple and Sikkandar dargah arose early this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Play this for 1 minute and see why everyone is crazy about it. Play Game Undo The MMK conference demanded that the govt should protect the dargah. "We don't want secular votes to be split," says IUML state general secretary, K A M Muhammed Abubacker. Jawahirullah concurs. "Some forces want to create disharmony in Tamil Nadu, but the state has always been an inclusive society, a place for communal harmony," says Jawahirullah. "Adequate representation of minorities in elected bodies would help create harmony." MMK and IUML have been DMK allies, and MMK won two assembly seats on the DMK symbol in the 2021 election. Are they acting on their alliance leader DMK's instructions? "We don't have to instruct them," says a DMK leader. "They just behave as responsible members of a secular alliance." IUML national president K M Kader Mohideen acknowledges there is alliance dharma, but there is also a need for human brotherhood like never before. "In Tamil Nadu, we are with DMK, we will continue to be so. This alliance is not only for elections. We are aligned with DMK's slogans of 'ondre kulam, oruvane devan' (one community, one God), 'pirapokkum ella uyirukkum' (all are born equal)," he says. That doesn't stop the parties from calling BJP "anti-Muslim". Speakers at their meetings talk about the lack of Muslims in the Union Cabinet and accuse the Centre of making legislation that goes against minority interests. At its recent zonal conferences in Tirupur and Kayalpattinam, which have significant Muslim populations, IUML emphasised communal harmony. "We chose Kayalpattinam because the port town's Muslim community is known for its historical role in retrieving the Tiruchendur Murugan temple idols looted by the Dutch and taken to Sri Lanka. There are temple inscriptions that commemorate contributions of Muslim traders," says Abubacker. Muslim leaders say they are confident that polarisation attempts by right-wing groups will not fructify in Tamil Nadu because of the high literacy rate and awareness levels. "But when Murugan is used as a political weapon, there is a sense of tension and fear in the state," says Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK) leader and former Nagapattinam MLA Thamimun Ansari. He says Muslim parties took refuge in "safer places" because of AIADMK's weakness in protecting the minorities. Even the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a reincarnation of the banned Progressive Front of India (PFI) and a former ally of AIADMK, is speaking moderation. SDPI state general secretary Nellai Mubarak says Tamil Nadu can never be divided on communal lines. "Everyone in Tamil Nadu has the responsibility to preserve social harmony, secularism, and peace," he says. Mubarak recently met chief minister M K Stalin at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam. "I went to congratulate him for passing a resolution against the Wakf (Amendment) Act in the assembly." IUML has now planned a 'Mohalla Jamaat Yatra' in August to meet 8,000 office bearers and ulema (clergy) across Tamil Nadu to reiterate the importance of "brotherhood and communal amity". Jawahirullah says MMK will hold a thousand street corner meetings from August to emphasise the need for peaceful coexistence of communities, besides seeking fair political representation for Muslims and withdrawal of the Wakf Amendment Act. Muslim groups are raising the demand for a proportionate share for the community in elected bodies in the run-up to the polls. "Only 39 of the 776 MPs are Muslims," says Jawahirullah. Fifteen are in the Rajya Sabha; 24 in the Lok Sabha. "The MPs come from only 12 of the 28 states and three UTs. In the 2024 LS election, only 24 Muslims were elected, which is 4.4% of the House. Of 4,123 MLAs across states and UTs, only 296 are Muslims. In the Tamil Nadu assembly, which has 234 MLAs, only seven are Muslims. In Greater Chennai Corporation, Muslims make up 9% of the population. Yet only four out of 200 councillors are Muslims," he says. Former AIADMK minister Anwhar Raajhaa, who joined the DMK on Monday, accused the BJP of making attempts to destabilise the state's communal balance. "BJP's objective is to win elections through polarisation. It used similar strategies in the northern states and has now struck an alliance with AIADMK to do the same here. But people of Tamil Nadu won't be deceived," says Raajhaa. Email your feedback with name and address to
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Muslim parties in Tamil Nadu focus on communal harmony and fair representation
CHENNAI: On June 22 this year, when Hindu Munnani organised the 'Muruga Bhaktargal Manadu' (Muruga devotees conference), it was as much a celebration of the Hindu religion as it was a political attempt to 'protect' Lord Murugan from being hijacked by DMK, whose govt organised the Global Lord Murugan Conference in Palani in August last year. A fortnight after the right-wing event in Madurai, when Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), a Muslim party, organised a rally at the same venue, some feared communal tension. However, the MMK stage on July 6 presented a different picture: MMK leader M H Jawahirullah was flanked by Thiruvadikudil Swamigal, a Hindu spiritual leader and the founder of Jothimalai Iraipani Thirukootam, and Rev Jegath Gaspar Raj, a Catholic priest and social activist. A week before the MMK event, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) held its zonal conference in Kayalpattinam in Tuticorin on June 29, where the theme, again, was communal harmony. It appears that the two prominent Muslim parties refuse to play the game of religious polarisation — which they believe would benefit only their political opponents. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Also noteworthy was that the Muslim parties' gatherings came after communal tensions in Thiruparankundram, where a controversy involving worship rights at the Murugan temple and Sikkandar dargah arose early this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The MMK conference demanded that the govt should protect the dargah. 'We don't want secular votes to be split,' says IUML state general secretary, K A M Muhammed Abubacker. Jawahirullah concurs. 'Some forces want to create disharmony in Tamil Nadu, but the state has always been an inclusive society, a place for communal harmony,' says Jawahirullah. 'Adequate representation of minorities in elected bodies would help create harmony.' MMK and IUML have been DMK allies, and MMK won two assembly seats on the DMK symbol in the 2021 election. Are they acting on their alliance leader DMK's instructions? 'We don't have to instruct them,' says a DMK leader. 'They just behave as responsible members of a secular alliance.' IUML national president K M Kader Mohideen acknowledges there is alliance dharma, but there is also a need for human brotherhood like never before. 'In Tamil Nadu, we are with DMK, we will continue to be so. This alliance is not only for elections. We are aligned with DMK's slogans of 'ondre kulam, oruvane devan' (one community, one God), 'pirapokkum ella uyirukkum' (all are born equal),' he says. That doesn't stop the parties from calling BJP 'anti-Muslim'. Speakers at their meetings talk about the lack of Muslims in the Union Cabinet and accuse the Centre of making legislation that goes against minority interests. At its recent zonal conferences in Tirupur and Kayalpattinam, which have significant Muslim populations, IUML emphasised communal harmony. 'We chose Kayalpattinam because the port town's Muslim community is known for its historical role in retrieving the Tiruchendur Murugan temple idols looted by the Dutch and taken to Sri Lanka. There are temple inscriptions that commemorate contributions of Muslim traders,' says Abubacker. Muslim leaders say they are confident that polarisation attempts by right-wing groups will not fructify in Tamil Nadu because of the high literacy rate and awareness levels. 'But when Murugan is used as a political weapon, there is a sense of tension and fear in the state,' says Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK) leader and former Nagapattinam MLA Thamimun Ansari. He says Muslim parties took refuge in 'safer places' because of AIADMK's weakness in protecting the minorities. Even the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), a reincarnation of the banned Progressive Front of India (PFI) and a former ally of AIADMK, is speaking moderation. SDPI state general secretary Nellai Mubarak says Tamil Nadu can never be divided on communal lines. 'Everyone in Tamil Nadu has the responsibility to preserve social harmony, secularism, and peace,' he says. Mubarak recently met chief minister M K Stalin at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam. 'I went to congratulate him for passing a resolution against the Wakf (Amendment) Act in the assembly.' IUML has now planned a 'Mohalla Jamaat Yatra' in August to meet 8,000 office bearers and ulema (clergy) across Tamil Nadu to reiterate the importance of 'brotherhood and communal amity'. Jawahirullah says MMK will hold a thousand street corner meetings from August to emphasise the need for peaceful coexistence of communities, besides seeking fair political representation for Muslims and withdrawal of the Wakf Amendment Act. Muslim groups are raising the demand for a proportionate share for the community in elected bodies in the run-up to the polls. 'Only 39 of the 776 MPs are Muslims,' says Jawahirullah. Fifteen are in the Rajya Sabha; 24 in the Lok Sabha. 'The MPs come from only 12 of the 28 states and three UTs. In the 2024 LS election, only 24 Muslims were elected, which is 4.4% of the House. Of 4,123 MLAs across states and UTs, only 296 are Muslims. In the Tamil Nadu assembly, which has 234 MLAs, only seven are Muslims. In Greater Chennai Corporation, Muslims make up 9% of the population. Yet only four out of 200 councillors are Muslims,' he says. Former AIADMK minister Anwhar Raajhaa, who joined the DMK on Monday, accused the BJP of making attempts to destabilise the state's communal balance. 'BJP's objective is to win elections through polarisation. It used similar strategies in the northern states and has now struck an alliance with AIADMK to do the same here. But people of Tamil Nadu won't be deceived,' says Raajhaa. Email your feedback with name and address to
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring
In Kerala, the non-BJP parties seem to be engaging what they accuse the BJP of resorting to. This came after a claim by an influential community leader that "Muslims will become a majority in Kerala by 2040". The remarks by Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the social service body representing the politically influential Ezhava community, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, sparked a fierce political row, pitting the non-BJP parties against each who also alleged that Muslim community leaders exert undue influence over Kerala's governance, drew widespread condemnation from the opposition Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reported news agency the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is believed to have the backing of the SNDP, distanced itself from Natesan's remarks, and faced accusations of complicity. The Congress alleged that Natesan's statements align with Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan's political CPI(M)'s cautious approach to the row reflects its need to retain Ezhava support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections while maintaining its secular image. In Kerala, where the Left and the Congress have alternated in power, the CPM-led LDF is facing a 10-year by the attacks from the Congress and IUML, Natesan stood his ground."Even if Kanthapuram (AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly got the Yemeni government to delay Nimisha Priya's death sentence) "hurls a spear" at me, I will not stop speaking out for social justice", The New Indian Express quoted Natesan as Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday, had in 2022 claimed that Muslim extremist groups in the state were plotting to turn Kerala into a Muslim-majority state within 20 SNDP Yogam represents the Ezhava community, which constitutes approximately 25% of Kerala's population, and his son, Thushar Vellappally, leads the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a political party part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Narayana Guru's reformist ideals led to the formation of the SNDP to uplift the Ezhava community, which is classified among the OBCs in WARNS OF KERALA TURNING MUSLIM-MAJORITY STATESpeaking at a state-level branch leadership meeting of SNDP Yogam in Kottayam on July 19, Natesan said that Kerala was on the path to becoming a Muslim-majority claimed, "Muslims will soon become the majority in Kerala," citing former CM VS Achuthanandan's alleged prediction about the demographic further asserted that Muslim leaders, including Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, wield significant influence over state current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern," Natesan accused both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of pandering to Muslim interests, alleging that no government decision is implemented without Malappuram's endorsement, a Muslim-majority district, The New Indian Express also claimed that the IUML was eyeing the Kerala CM's post in the 2026 Assembly elections."Alappuzha lost two constituencies, while Malappuram gained four," Natesan said, suggesting a shift in political power towards Muslim-dominated areas. He argued that the Ezhava community had been IUML SLAM NATESAN'S MUSLIM-MAJORITY CLAIMThe Congress, which leads the opposing UDF, was swift to condemn Natesan's of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused Natesan of "acting at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan", alleging that his statements reflect the CPI(M)'s strategy to polarise voters."The SNDP Yogam general secretary has echoed what the CPI(M) leaders in Kerala speak against Malappuram and what the Chief Minister had stated in Delhi through public relations agencies. This hate speech is against the philosophy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru," Satheesan Congress leader argued that Natesan's remarks aimed to create societal division. Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of sacrificing secularism for political expediency, using Natesan to galvanise majority community votes by "othering minorities".The IUML, a key Congress ally in Kerala, reacted sharply to Natesan's allegations. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty labeled Natesan's comments as "brazen communal remarks" and accused the LDF government of complicity, stating, "It is the responsibility of the LDF government to act against individuals who exploit influential social organisations to cause communal divisions".IUML Malappuram general secretary Abdul Hameed MLA called for legal action against Natesan for inciting groups, including the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, also condemned Natesan's BALANCING ACT: SOCIAL BODIES FREE TO SPEAK, BUT MUST AVOID HATEThe CPI(M), which traditionally enjoys support from the Ezhava community, found itself in a precarious party's state secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam to adhere to the secular and progressive values of Sree Narayana Guru, the founder of the organisations are free to raise any issue concerning the people, but it should not create religious divisions and hate, reported The CM Pinarayi Vijayan's past defence of Natesan may offer some insight into the CPI(M)'s April, when Natesan described the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district as a "separate nation", Vijayan defended him, claiming his remarks were directed at "a political party" (implying the IUML) rather than a Natesan's claim that Kerala will become a Muslim-majority state by 2040 has ignited a political storm, which exposes tensions among non-BJP parties in a state showcased for non-communal politics. With the Congress and the IUML accusing the CPI(M) of tacitly endorsing Natesan's rhetoric, the ruling party's delicate balancing act, given the Ezhavas have of late drifted towards the BJP (a result of the alliance with BDJS), shows a complex interplay of caste, religion, and politics in Kerala now.- Ends
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
IUML, Catholic Congress hit out at Natesan
Kozhikode: IUML on Sunday hit out strongly against the remarks by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan that Muslim community was trying to exert undue influence in state, saying such blatantly communal remarks would have serious repercussions for Kerala society. Catholic Congress too criticized Natesan for alleged remarks insulting the entire minority community. Speaking to the media in Kozhikode, IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said state govt should clarify whether such divisive and communal rhetoric could be tolerated in Kerala. "If such blatantly communal remarks are made, then it would lead to discord in society. It is upto govt to decide if such communal and divisive statements can be made by anyone in the state. We heard of some leaders making similar statements in north India. But this is Kerala. Today one person made such remarks and tomorrow someone else would speak like that. Govt should give a reply," he said. He said Natesan had made similar remarks for BJP and yet the party lost its deposit in Nilambur assembly bypoll, showing that Kerala society would reject such remarks. The tone of Natesan's remarks is part of the communal propaganda being carried out in India, he added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo by Taboola by Taboola IUML MLA P Abdul Hameed said state govt should register a case in connection with Natesan's remarks. "Otherwise, people will have to conclude that he is making such remarks with govt's support," he said. Meanwhile, Catholic Congress director Philip Kaviyil said people of Kerala will reject the irresponsible remarks with contempt. "As a community leader, he has every right to advise members of his own community and offer practical suggestions for their growth. But if he speaks in a tone that belittles or seeks to erase other communities, such remarks amount to blatant communalism. There is nothing wrong in advocating for one's own community or standing up for their rights. However, when it is done by disparaging others with mocking or degrading comparisons and by promoting a repugnant notion that only one's community matters, that is nothing but communalism," he said. He asked Natesan to explain where and how the Christian Church leadership has ever intervened unjustly or snatched away anything from members of other communities.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Natesan renews attack on IUML
Kochi: A day after making remarks against the Muslim community that drew sharp criticism from various quarters, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan continued to stir political controversy—showing no signs of backtracking. Speaking at a felicitation event organised by the SNDP Yogam Kochi Union in Palluruthy to mark his 30 years as general secretary, Natesan targeted the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), accusing religious groups and scholars of interfering in the state's governance. Mocking IUML, Natesan said it was ironic that a religious organisation is referred to as a secular party. "Muslim League means a Muslim union; all its members, including MLAs and MPs, are Muslims. Yet they claim to be secular. Jawaharlal Nehru once called the Muslim League a 'dead horse.' Later, Muhammad Koya called it a 'sleeping lion.' He was right. After lying dormant, they united, gained strength and are now an unbeatable force in Kerala," he said. "Today, their announcements can determine who will rule Kerala. Political parties are afraid and trembling. If I say we are living under religious rule rather than in a democracy, what is wrong with that?" Natesan asked. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ACE Nest Yamuna Expressway – Affordable Luxury Awaits Ace Noida Book Now Undo He also claimed he was being unfairly targeted and would continue to speak the truth, even if criticised by religious leaders such as Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar. "Those who speak of caste constantly and work to protect it are calling me casteist. That is the irony," he said. He added that his comments were not against the Muslim community but against religious interference in politics. He also alleged that despite forming a significant part of the population, the Ezhava and Hindu communities are often overlooked by govts and not treated as equal citizens. Opposition leader V D Satheesan strongly condemned Natesan's remarks, urging community leaders to avoid divisive statements. Speaking to the media in Kochi, Satheesan said the SNDP leader's words contradict the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. "He is promoting ideas the Guru explicitly warned against," Satheesan said, further alleging that Natesan was echoing chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's narrative. "This is a script written by the chief minister himself," he claimed. Speaking at Natesan's a felicitation event. minister V N Vasavan lauded his role in transforming SNDP into a strong organization. BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar also praised Natesan, commending his contributions to both the community and the state.
