The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has decided to make the appropriate moves to remain relevant in national politics by focussing on a Dalit-minority agenda. The party’s national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty has written to the leaders of various secular parties impressing upon them the need for such a platform to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr. Kunhalikutty, who was recently elected to Lok Sabha in a by-election, told The Hindu that his party leadership, which had discussed the matter at a recent meeting, felt that there was a need to build confidence among Dalits and minority communities which was facing the music under the Modi dispensation.
“Farmers’ crisis and problems related to the transition to Goods and Service Tax regime are sidelining Dalit and minority issues. The other two issues are important, no doubt, but we want to ensure that secular parties stay focussed on Dalit-minorities,” he said.
‘Cong should lead’
The IUML wants the Congress to take the lead in forging this platform. “We are with the Congress in Kerala and at the Centre. There is no differences of opinion on the Congress party’s role,” he said.
According to sources, the party perceives a role for itself at the national level in the context of the recent attacks against Dalit and minorities over diverse issues, including beef consumption. The IUML leadership also hopes to keep in check the growth of fundamental groups in Kerala by seeking a slot in the national movement against the BJP.
