Lok Sabha Polls: SDPI, the political outfit of banned terrorist organisation PFI extends support to Congress-led UDF

Ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls in Kerala, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) announced on April 1, its decision to throw its weight behind the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front (UDF). The announcement has ignited controversy as SDPI is widely considered to be the political outfit of the banned terrorist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).

It was in September 2022 that the Union Home Ministry declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates an ‘Unlawful Association’. It had said that PFI and its associates, affiliates, or fronts are involved in serious offences, including terrorism and its financing, targeted gruesome killings, disregarding the constitutional set-up of the country, disturbing public order, etc., which are prejudicial to the integrity, security and sovereignty of the country.

State President of the SDPI Muvattupuzha Ashraf Moulavi made the announcement about extending support to the Congress party during a press conference, citing the prevailing national political scenario as the rationale behind the move. Moulavi further revealed that the SDPI would refrain from fielding candidates in any constituency within Kerala and instead focus on contesting in 18 parliamentary constituencies outside the state.

Moulavi further revealed that the SDPI would refrain from fielding candidates in any constituency within Kerala and instead focus on contesting in 18 parliamentary constituencies outside the state.

Addressing the media at a Meet the Press event in Kochi, Moulavi’s declaration stirred reactions from various political quarters. Acting Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president MM Hassan acknowledged the significance of all votes in a democracy but refrained from unequivocally embracing the SDPI’s support, citing the Election Commission’s mandate in determining the party’s communal status. Hassan also criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s approach, alleging that his emphasis on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was merely a ploy to sway Muslim voters.

Meanwhile, other Congress leaders have expressed divergent views regarding SDPI’s support. While some have indicated a reluctance to actively seek SDPI’s votes, others have acknowledged the potential impact of SDPI’s support, particularly in local self-government elections where every vote holds significant weight.

The decision by SDPI to align with UDF has also reignited debates surrounding the alleged ties between the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and SDPI in certain panchayats in Kerala. Both UDF and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused the CPM of leveraging SDPI’s support to maintain control over local governance bodies.

Several Congress leaders, including acting Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president M.M. Hassan, have expressed reservations about seeking SDPI’s support, citing concerns over the organisation’s controversial past and potential ramifications. SDPI’s involvement in public gatherings and rallies characterised by incendiary slogans targeting Hindus and Christians has further fueled apprehensions about its political motives.

Instances of SDPI rallies featuring inflammatory slogans, including one where a child was used to deliver provocative messages, have drawn condemnation from various quarters. SDPI’s involvement in public meetings and marches, characterised by inflammatory rhetoric targeting Hindus and Christians, has drawn widespread attention.

Despite demands from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), police action against SDPI for such incidents has been delayed, raising questions about the authorities’ response to the party’s activities. BJP President K. Surendran has called for an explanation from Rahul Gandhi, as SDPI’s parent organisation, PFI has been linked to anti-national activities and terror-related offences.

The direct alliance between SDPI and the mainstream Opposition has prompted fears of legitimising PFI’s activities and providing a platform for its underground operations. Observers suggest that SDPI’s strategic support for UDF may extend to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in areas where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) poses a significant challenge.

The overarching goal appears to be the defeat of BJP candidates, with SDPI positioning itself as a crucial player with a vote bank “ready for both fronts.” This alignment with mainstream political parties raises alarming questions about the involvement of an outlawed outfit in state politics and the potential consequences for Kerala’s social fabric and security landscape.