‘Left cannot ensure minority protection like Congress can… We can never abandon Congress or reject it’: Kerala IUML chief

The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution against the CAA with the support of the UDF. We should understand that the CAA is not a state issue and that a state government cannot take a stand against it. Our role is to fight against the CAA in Parliament. It is not an issue affecting Muslims alone.

Q) LDF leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have even called the Congress’s silence as reflective of its ‘pro-Sangh Parivar’ stand.

It is unfair to blame the Congress. If the Congress had a pro-Sangh Parivar mindset, they could have enacted the CAA or other such draconian rules in Parliament during their regime. We believe that in the future too, the Congress will not support the CAA. Our aim is to unseat the government that has vowed to implement the CAA.

Q) But the Congress manifesto is silent on CAA…

Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi have repeatedly asserted that they will not implement the law. We cannot ask a party to include everything in their manifesto. What is important is the policy of a government that comes into power. And INDIA alliance partners are against the CAA.

Q) The CPI(M) seems to be getting closer to the Muslim community. They have fielded candidates acceptable to pro-IUML organisations…

As a ruling party, the CPI(M) may be doing many things for these (pro-IUML) organisations within their limits. But the IUML continues its good relationship with all Muslim organisations. We don’t think that the CPI(M) has helped or reached out to the SAMASTHA (a pro-IUML body of Muslim clerics). SAMASTHA is well aware of IUML politics and we also know their stand. Our relationship is long-standing.

Q) The Left is trying to win Muslim support by saying that the Congress is weak and cannot face the BJP.

We don’t agree that the Left can ensure minority protection in the way the Congress can. We can never abandon the Congress or reject it. It is still the only party that has roots across the country. Everybody understands that only the Congress can lead an alliance against the BJP.

Q) How significant is this election for minorities in the country?

This election is going to be crucial for all sections of society. The present regime has created fissures among people based on caste and religion. Politics of hatred is being used for votes… The difference between the (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee government and the present (Narendra) Modi regime is very sharp. The CAA, Uniform Civil Code and triple talaq issues (brought in by BJP govenrments) are not meant to help the Muslim community. The BJP has some other plans.

Q) Can the Congress make a comeback at the Centre, and how significant is it to the IUML ?

It is very significant for the IUML because we have been following secular politics. Our role is to politically strengthen the Congress.

Q) There was a row recently about IUML flags not being displayed at Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow.

Rahul’s roadshow in Wayanad (the constituency he is contesting from) was devoid of all flags, including that of the Congress. Our aim is to defeat fascism. In that mission, we may have make some compromises. The flag issue should be seen in that context.

Q) Recently, The Kerala Story was screened by the Catholic Church in many places to ‘enlighten teenagers against love jihad’. How do you view this?

This is a crucial time when all sections of minorities should stand together and raise their voices against fascism. We require friendship to strengthen pluralism. There are issues between Muslims and Christians, but these can be solved through discussions and dialogue. Last year, I led a harmony yatra across Kerala and held discussions with Church leaders in all districts to bridge this divide between the communities.

Both Muslims and Christians are the strength of the UDF. The Sangh Parivar forces want to create a divide in that unity. But the Christian community has become vigilant about the Sangh Parivar agenda.

Q) Your statement asking members of the Muslim community to not protest against the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration had left some sections angry…

When such issues arise, we take a clear stand for harmony. When the Babri Masjid was demolished, my brother Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal (then the IUML chief) wanted no tension and requested community members to stand guard at temples and ensure that no stone falls on a Hindu temple… We have to move ahead and look at how issues can be solved in an amicable manner.