Pinarayi's remarks against IUML supremo evokes sharp reactions

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress and the Muslim League have accused Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of making controversial remarks against the Muslim League state president, suggesting a collusion with the BJP. UDF leaders allege that the Chief Minister's statements are intended to appease the Sangh Parivar's anti-Muslim sentiments. Pinarayi Vijayan, on Sunday, referred to the Muslim League chief Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal as a follower of Jamaat-e-Islami. He stated that Shihab Thangal is incomparable to his predecessors, who were supported, loved, and respected by all.

Pinarayi unleashed the scathing attack against Thangal soon after Sandeep Varier who quit BJP went to meet the Muslim League supremo at his residence in Malappuram on Sunday. Sandeep Varier's statement that he had left the BJP's factory of hatred and joined the shop of love for good, created quite a stir in the political circles.

While several Congressmen have frequently been joining the BJP, it was uncommon to see notable figures from the Sangh Parivar switch to the Congress. The CPM had attempted to attract Varier after his significant disagreements with the BJP leadership became apparent.

CPM central committee member A K Balan went so far as to describe Varier as a "crystal clear" individual who could be a valuable member in the long term. However, the Congress managed a coup of sorts by bringing Varier over to its side.

BJP state president K Surendran mocked Varier, suggesting he should find a better chair than what he had in the party. After meeting with the Muslim League chief, Varier expressed feeling blessed to have been given a seat beside the Muslim League leader. Coming from a leader who once espoused the `hate politics’ of the BJP-Sangh Parivar, this statement was praised by the Congress and other UDF parties.

However, the CPM remained sceptical of Varier's newfound commitment to secularism.

Muslim League leaders on Monday launched an attack on Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of collusion with the BJP and Sangh Parivar. "Why is the CPM getting restless over a staunch Sangh Parivar leader joining a secular party? What is wrong with Varier visiting the Muslim League supremo's house and seeking his blessings?" asked Muslim Leader Shaji.

This suggests that the CM harbors a Sanghi mindset, despite outward appearances, he said.

Muslim League general secretary P K Kunhalikutty stated that Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal does not need the LDF government's endorsement.

The chief minister is envious of Thangal, who is accomplishing things that Pinarayi cannot. The Muslim League president has taken the initiative to ensure communal harmony in the state and has also positively intervened in the Munambam land issue, Kunhalikutty said.