chief minister V D Satheesan
BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar launched an attack on the UDF govt and IUML over what he described as increased attempts to undermine women’s rights and push Keralam towards a regressive social order.
Kozhikode/T’puram: Kerala Muslim Jamaat condemned CM V D Satheesan’s remarks that Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musaliyar had misinterpreted Islam and said it was unbecoming of his position. It is ridiculous for him to intervene in religious matters and try to teach religious scholars about faith,” he said. Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said it was inappropriate to belittle people when they speak about religious matters. Such words should not come from responsible positions,” he said. “There is an IUML minister who says their entire political discourse is centred on religion. Their ideologue Kanthapuram has now said that women should remain at home and not participate in public events. It is as though they believe the Constitution and the laws of the country do not apply to them,” he said, adding that such statements cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents. But when an ideologue of IUML speaks about taking away the rights and freedoms of women, she maintains a studied silence,” he said, adding that BJP would oppose any attempt to roll back the social and constitutional rights secured by women.
The EK Samastha faction too voiced its opposition to the CM’s remarks without directly naming him. He claimed certain media outlets and others, who had been waiting for an opportunity to turn the issue against religion, created unnecessary discussions and controversies. “Without understanding reality, the CM made cheap remarks. “Muslims have religious laws. If you like it, you can accept it. If you feel there is no substance or it is not timely, don’t take it. Chandrasekhar also questioned the silence of senior Congress leaders. “While all this is happening under a Congress govt, Rahul Gandhi sits in Delhi and talks about patriarchy while maintaining a studied silence on what is happening in Keralam. This is yet another assault on the rights and freedoms of women. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi speaks in north India about ‘Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon’.
Kerala Muslim Jamaat secretary Majeed Kakkad said on Wednesday that Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama’s directive urging that Islamic celebrations should not cross religious limits and asking mahal jamaats to remain vigilant was intended to make believers aware of Islamic positions.