Top Left leaders to attend Jamaat function

The tacit understanding between the Left and Muslim political groups has never been this open.

The tacit understanding between the Left and Muslim political groups has never been this open. The leaders of all the four mainstream Left parties will be part of the delegates8217; meeting being organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind JIH, the 8220;ideological face8221; of Indian Muslims, to officially launch a 8220;National Alliance8221; against imperialism.

The function, to be held on August 26, would be the first step towards the launch of the National Alliance 8212; a conglomeration of 15-odd Muslim organisations and some civil society movements. It is learnt that CPIM8217;s Muslim face Mohammed Salim, who is also a Central Committee member, CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan, RSP8217;s Abani Roy and Forward Bloc8217;s G Devarajan will be attending the function.

The organisers have also invited UNPA allies including the BSP. 8220;Everyone who has opposed the nuclear deal will have a space in this National Alliance,8221; said S Q R Illyas of the Jamaat Islami-e-Hind.

While the Left, especially the CPIM, may have been a silent presence in earlier meetings of the alliance, it was only through its support groups like the Delhi Science Forum. This is the first time that top-level Left leaders are going to be part of such a function.

8220;It is the relevance of the issue that has brought us together. We are against all brands of imperialist forces. The Indo-US nuclear deal is the worst manifestation of American imperialism,8221; said Devarajan.

The other partners in this conglomeration include Muslim bodies like the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat , Indian National League, Muslim Political Council of India, Markazi Jamaat Ulama-e-Hind, Idarao Fikro Amal and Solidarity Youth Movement. A few civil society organisations like the Movement for Peace and Justice, Third Freedom Struggle Movement, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh are also a part of the proposed movement.

8220;We do have serious differences with the Left on several issues but when it comes to opposing imperialism, the Left has always been in the forefront. And we appreciate that,8221; said Illyas.

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Meanwhile, the Indo-US joint naval exercise is turning out to be yet another rallying point for the Left and the Muslim organisations. The CPIM has already announced its plan to launch a nationwide protest against the exercise.