UDF cosies up to Jamaat-e-Islami for local body election; Muslim groups raise concern

KOZHIKODE/MALAPPURAM: The UDF is going ahead with its seat-sharing deal with the Welfare Party of India (WPI) in Malappuram for the local body election even as some Muslim organisations are trying to convince the fronts leadership about the danger of joining hands with the political wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami. Under the arrangement, the UDF will allocate seats to the WPI in all local bodies where the latter already has a foothold. In return, the WPI will extend its full backing to the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and other UDF candidates across Malappuram. Seat division has already been finalised in several key panchayats, including Angadippuram, Koottilangadi, Mampad, Tirurangadi, Tirur, and Kondotty. In Angadipuram and Mampad, the WPI has already announced its candidates. In Malappuram, the UDF particularly the Muslim League remains the most powerful force. To strengthen our political presence, we have chosen to cooperate with the League and the UDF locally. This, however, does not imply a state-level alliance, said a senior WPI leader. IUML general secretary P M A Salam confirmed the development to TNIE, stating that the understanding with WPI was part of the Leagues broader electoral strategy. Jamaat ties will cost UDF dear in assembly polls The UDF has no official alliance with the Welfare Party at the state level. But local body elections are different we must join hands with smaller parties to ensure the fronts victory. The IUML and UDF leadership has instructed local units to cooperate with the WPI wherever necessary. What is happening in Malappuram reflects that ground reality, Salam said. Meanwhile, some Muslim organisations have expressed deep concern over the UDF move to have an electoral understanding with WPI, which they believe would have disastrous consequences for the front and society at large. One Mujahid group met Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan in person in Malappuram two days ago to convey the organisations view on the matter. We told Satheesan that it was unfortunate that he had given a clean chit to the Jamaat saying the organisation had changed its ideology. The assessment stems from a total ignorance of its working, a Mujahid leader told TNIE. The Mujahid organisation sought to remind Satheesan that the Jamaat always strived for the destruction of the IUML in Kerala and the Congress at the national level. The help of Jamaat may fetch a few votes for the UDF in the local body polls, but the front will have to pay a heavy price in the crucial assembly election. The Jamaat link will be projected at the national level by the Sangh Parivar and it will give a good campaign point for the CPM. Above all, an entry into the UDF will normalise the theocratic ideology of the Jamaat, the leader said. Muslim organisations believe that the Congress has become aware of the dangers of the alliance with the Jamaat, but a section in the IUML still wants to go ahead with the move. Sources said Congress leaders have expressed their helplessness because an open stance against the Jamaat may antagonise the IUML.