UDF seeks to avoid fallout over Welfare Party support
Kozhikode: Opposition leader V D Satheesan's explanation of Welfare Party's support to UDF—saying its parent group Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) has changed its stance on a theocratic state—did not sit well with Sunnis and other Muslim groups.
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To prevent any backlash, Congress has started efforts to manage the situation.
On Thursday, KPCC chief Sunny Joseph met Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal in Kozhikode. Although they did not discuss Welfare Party's support to UDF, the meeting's timing is politically important. Thangal said Samastha does not back any party and that its members are free to vote as they wish.
Meanwhile, Samastha leader Ummer Faizi Mukkam, who is close to CPM, criticized Satheesan, saying he has no right to issue 'fatwas' on Islam.
"That is the job of the ulema and we are here for that," he said. He also accused JEI of promoting ideas against Islamic teachings.
On a more measured note, AP Sunni faction leader Abdul Hakim Azhari said Sunni groups do not interfere in political alliances or elections but added that its criticism of JEI is based on ideology. "JEI's ideology is built on the idea of a theocratic state. There is no sign they have given it up. Explanations from other political leaders aren't enough," he said.
We evaluate secular and democratic values and development policies of each side and inform our members of our position. Raising opinions and criticisms is a sign of political awareness and democratic alertness, helping society develop in many ways. This should continue. Seeing these opinions as political support or opposition shows a misunderstanding of how democratic discussion can work, he said.
With LDF increasing criticism of Welfare Party's support for UDF and even groups like Catholic Congress unhappy, UDF is moving cautiously to avoid any impact in Nilambur. Joseph later told the media that Thangal gave advice in good spirit. "We will accept it and move ahead," he said. When asked if his advice was related to Nilambur, Joseph said that topic was not discussed.
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