Kozhikode: Former Kerala BJP President K. Surendran’s recent statements regarding the situation in Malappuram and parts of Kozhikode districts during the month of Ramadan have drawn widespread public attention. Addressing the media, Surendran took a dig at the Islamists and said that a particular community in the region is imposing restrictions on others, even going so far as to deny access to basic necessities like drinking water.
“From Ramanattukara to the border of Thrissur district, not a drop of water is available during Ramadan month. This is not an isolated incident—it’s a larger issue,” he said. Surendran claimed that this was a deliberate act by a particular community to impose religious practices on everyone else. “Even drinking water is being denied to others during the fasting period,” he alleged.
He pointed out that shops remain shut throughout the month, not because of enforcement, but due to social pressure. “No one is directly forcing shops to close, but none are opening either. That is not the right approach,” he said.
He called on the so-called progressive parties to speak up against what he described as an unhealthy atmosphere of religious dominance. “During the Sabarimala fast, no shop is forced to sell only vegetarian food. But here, people can’t even access water. This is a fascist approach,” he remarked.
Surendran also raised alarms over what he described as an organised campaign against modern healthcare in the region. “There is a strong anti-vaccination movement in Malappuram, and no one is talking about it. It’s being normalised,” he said.
Citing an example, he mentioned the recent death of a woman in Malappuram who passed away after giving birth to her fifth child at home without any medical assistance. “Initially, it appeared to be a case of ignorance. But now, it is evident that there is a deliberate effort to discourage people from going to hospitals or receiving vaccinations,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Surendran said these issues are being overlooked due to the political dominance of the Indian Union Muslim League in the region. “There is a serious operation underway, but no one dares to question these practices because of the dominance of the Muslim League,” he said.
