Ahead of LSG polls, Samasthas support to CPM continues to be a challenge for UDF
Hameed Faizy has alleged that the ongoing discord between Samastha and the League stems from the latter's supposed proximity to Jamaat-e-Islami, an indirect accusation he made in his recent Facebook post.
Malappuram: A major conflict is being reported within the prominent Muslim organization Samastha that has resurfaced ahead of the local body elections, with a section of leaders in the organization echoing the CPM’s long-standing charge that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is forging political links with Jamaal-e-Islami and Welfare party.
Even though the issue has been brewing within the organization for a long time, off late there has been a major difference of opinion within the group as a few independent candidates affiliated to the welfare party (Political wing of Jamaat E Islami) offering support for the Congress in parts of Malappuram and Kozhikode.
Political observers feel that the internal conflict could help the CPI(M)-led LDF in the upcoming local body elections.
"The current tensions within the Samastha has been going for sometime. The IUML is not happy with the current developments as they feel that in many local wards it could benefit the LDF candidates”, said Prashanth, a media person and political observer based in Kozhikode.
The controversy intensified after Samastha Mushawara member Umar Faizi Mukkam and leader Hameed Faizy Ambalakkadavu publicly criticised the Muslim League during the campaign period.
Hameed Faizy has alleged that the ongoing discord between Samastha and the League stems from the latter’s supposed proximity to Jamaat-e-Islami, an indirect accusation he made in his recent Facebook post.
According to him, the underlying issues within Samastha indicate attempts by a section to cultivate new ties with Jamaat-e-Islami. League supporters within Samastha argue that such allegations conveniently surface during election season and mirror the CPM’s familiar political attacks against the party.
Until recently, Samastha’s anti-League faction had focused its criticism on the perceived rise of the Mujahid wing within the League and the alleged targeting of Samastha under the leadership of League general secretary PMA Salam.
Hameed Faizy warned that any rapprochement with Jamaat-e-Islami could pave the way for Jamaat-Brotherhood ideologies to gain wider influence among Kerala’s Muslims.
Umar Faizi further added that such an "infiltration” would weaken both Samastha and the broader Islamic community. Both leaders belong to the organisation’s anti-league bloc.
The faction had openly campaigned against the League in the Ponnani constituency during the last Lok Sabha elections, although the party secured a comfortable majority. While they have not adopted such a public stance this time, the League fears they may still prove pivotal in closely contested wards, particularly in Malappuram district.
In contrast, the Kanthapuram faction, often regarded as being closer to the Left, has refrained from openly attacking the Muslim League despite the renewed criticism from within Samastha.