The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has spurned the alleged statement of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Ramesh Chennithala justifying his predecessor C.K. Govindan Nair’s view that relations with the IUML would be detrimental to the Congress.
The IUML’s sharp reaction came on Sunday despite a clarification by Mr. Chennithala on Saturday night denying the remarks he reportedly made against the Muslim League during a Govindan Nair commemoration in Kozhikode.
Mr. Chennithala, during his speech, had reportedly endorsed Govindan Nair’s view that communal and casteist forces should be kept at bay. He had reportedly said that the relations with the IUML had proved the concerns raised by Govindan Nair.
Leadership meet
The IUML top leadership met at Panakkad, near here, on Sunday and reviewed the statement of Mr. Chennithala, among other things. IUML State president Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal presided over the meeting.
Speaking after the meeting, IUML secretary E.T. Mohammed Basheer said that maintaining the unity of the United Democratic Front (UDF) was the responsibility of all constituents. He said the Congress was free to decide whether to continue the UDF or not. “We (IUML) have our own authority to take decisions. And it is not the responsibility of the Muslim League alone (to maintain unity of the UDF),” he said.
Apart from Mr. Basheer, IUML Legislature Party leader and Minister for Industries P.K. Kunhalikutty and State general secretary K.P.A. Majeed attended the meeting.
The meeting discussed the current political situation, especially in the wake of the increasing attacks on the IUML. The party State secretariat will meet in Kozhikode on July 4 to discuss the situation at length.
The IUML has reportedly conveyed its displeasure at Mr. Chennithala’s statement to the All India Congress Committee. The message has reportedly been given to Ahmed Patel, political secretary to the All India Congress Committee president, through IUML president E. Ahamed.
