Kozhikode: There are three Thangals in the fray in Malappuram this time. O.K. Thangal is the LDF (INL) candidate in Vallikunnu, Badusha Thangal, the BJP candidate in Malappuram and Prof K.K. Abid Hussain Thangal, the UDF (IUML) nominee in Kottakkal.
The Thangal tag brings much reverence and attention in the Muslim community as they are believed to be descendants of Prophet Muhammad. People take advice from them on crucial matters and many provide services similar to that of astrologers at a cost. But does that matter in politics and electioneering?
“It matters. People accord a special status to Thanganmaar considering their lineage. I have been directly feeling that during the campaign. Our roots are traced to Yemen of 1847. But we also have to behave according to the reverence people show,” says Badusha Thangal.
The ‘unquestionable leadership’ of the IUML lies with Panakkad family of Kodappanakkal and it underlines the privilege enjoyed by the Thangals.
“People vote according to the policies of the party and the credentials of the candidate. Thangal name alone doesn’t fech votes,” said O.K. Thangal.
There were many ‘Thangals’ in Malabar who ‘treat’ people for illness and ward off evils claiming that they possess divinity.
Writer, social critic and AAP leader M.N. Karassery says Thangals get a sort of Brahmanical status.
“The belief is that they belong to the lineage of the Prophet. But it is not proved historically in no uncertain terms,” he said.
