CPM state secretary MV Govindan stated that his party was ready to involve all non-communal organisations to join protests against Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Manipur issue. But, his party would not invite Congress to this struggle. The Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama and similar organisations will be involved. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is not particularly invited, because political parties are not invited. But, CPM believes that IUML is a democratic party; it is active among minorities. It is to be remembered Govindan had stated, in December 2022, that IUML is not communal.
CPM appears to be all set to ignore the IUML-led united agitation. On the other hand, the party tries to keep Samastha and other like-minded groups together. Govindan said the party state committee concluded that UCC is meant to implement the Hindutwa agenda.
In the meantime, IUML state president Sadiq Ali Thangal said that a single party should not decide anti-UCC agitation. He was reacting to the CPM state secretary’s statement that IUML may cooperate with its (CPM’s) agitation. He said July 10 meeting UDF (Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front) would discuss the agitation.
Govindan is not for inviting Congress as it does not have a clear idea about UCC on a national level. Even Rahul Gandhi does not have any stand.
Samastha said they would take the initiative for anti-UCC agitation. The Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama president Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal said that Muslims could not compromise on UCC. Muslim Marriage, divorce and inheritance come under religious rules. Muslims would not agree to change it. He said that his organisation agrees with the idea of Sunni Unity put forward by All India Sunni Jem-Iyyathul Ulama General Secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Abubaker Musliar.
In other words, Muslim community organisations are joining hands for anti-UCC agitation. And, significantly, CPM is trying to bring all of them under its umbrella. Even though IUML leader Sadiq Ali Thangal has not expressed his pleasure to join hands with CPM, he has stated that his party would be at the forefront of discussing Sunni Unity. Therefore, the scenario is precise: Both Congress and CPM are in tight competition to appease Muslim vote bank.
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