Out on bail,Madani a cynosure of all eyes in Kerala politics

Though no state ministers attended the function,Union minister K C Venugopal and Kodikunnil Suresh were seen.

The CPI,which had opposed the LDF proximity to Madani during 2009 elections,was represented by its C Divakaran. He was found standing behind Madani on the dais.

The last Madani event that had brought all politicians on a single stage was the reception accorded to him in 2007 after he was acquitted in the Coimbatore blast case.

Since his arrest in the Bangalore case,Muslim fringe outfits one after another has made Madani a symbol of justice denied.

His flagging health and the alleged failure of the Karnataka government to ensure best medical care forced more organizations to take up Madani’s cause. Even the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) which is politically opposed to Madani exerted pressure on the state government to rush health care for him. This move spurred more parties to jump into the fray.

“Both the LDF and the UDF want to make electoral windfall by capitalising on Madani sentiment. A jailed Madani has been the best weapon for both fronts to create an impression that Muslims are prey and the government machinery is hunting the community. Madani’s comments against the legal system in Karnataka clearly indicate that he wants to build the image of a prey,” said BJP state secretary K Surendran.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary T Siddique said it is sympathy for Madani that has led to steady flow of political leaders for his daughter’s marriage. Many think that sharing dais with him at this juncture would help them win votes,said Siddique who did not attend the event.