Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday slammed the Congress, accusing the party of joining hands with the Jamaat-e-Islami for electoral gains, and termed their alliance as "suicidal." He also issued a stark warning about the shared ideology of the Muslim outfit and Hindutva organisations, labelling both as "birds of the same feather."
Speaking at the ‘Meet the Press’ event at the Ernakulam Press Club, the Chief Minister claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami intervenes in various matters in Kerala despite not being a traditional organisation operating in the state. He asserted that Kerala’s Muslim community, which includes Sunnis, Mujahids, and other minorities, largely does not recognise Jamaat-e-Islami.
Calling the Congress party's move a "suicidal stand," he said that UDF voters would not be able to accept the ideology and politics of Jamaat-e-Islami. He alleged that Congress has entered into an "unholy alliance" solely for votes.
The Chief Minister argued that both Hindutva forces and political Islamists propagate religion-based nationalism and seek governance controlled by a religion. He likened their ideological approach to that of Mussolini and Hitler.
He referenced the teachings of Abul A’la Maududi and alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had caused divisions among Muslim communities in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"In India, political Islamists and Hindutva ideologues are birds of the same feather. Even if they appear to oppose each other, they have explored cooperation," he said.
He supported his claim by mentioning that during the launch of the Welfare Party of India in 2011 —the political wing founded by Jamaat-e-Islami — the only non-organisational person present was BJP Minority Morcha leader Dr JK Jain. He, further, alleged that the organisation had held discussions with the RSS in 2023.
He cited the Jammu and Kashmir elections as an instance where he alleged a nexus between BJP and Jamaat-e-Islami to defeat CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who ultimately won. The Chief Minister added that while many Indian Union Muslim League followers oppose such alliances, the UDF is attempting to please both Jamaat-e-Islami and the BJP, alleging, "They are trying to pawn the peace and secularism of the state."
On other issues, Vijayan stated that Kerala’s public distribution system has been strengthened, with over ₹10,000 crore spent in the last nine-and-a-half years. Regarding paddy procurement, he alleged that some mill owners were deliberately refusing to cooperate with the government. A new model involving cooperative groups would be piloted in Palakkad to ensure procurement under the supervision of the Civil Supplies Corporation, he said. The Chief Minister highlighted that decentralisation of power has been the foundation of Kerala’s progress, stating that major achievements — including the state’s declaration of being free from extreme poverty on November 1 — were possible due to the active intervention of local bodies. He emphasised the current national context, stressing the importance of protecting secularism and the federal nature of the country, and urged voters to support these values in the upcoming elections. He also pointed to the significant transformation in Kochi, citing major projects like the Kochi Metro and Water Metro, and successful initiatives like “Samrudhi” (to eradicate hunger) and Operation Breakthrough (to resolve waterlogging).
Also read: Congress shielding Rahul Mamkootathil: Kerala CM
Follow us
