CPI(M) Defends A Vijayaraghavan’s Remarks on Muslim Fundamentalist Support for Congress
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) has expressed unwavering support for its politburo member A Vijayaraghavan after his controversial remarks about the role of Muslim fundamentalist groups in the election victories of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Wayanad, Kerala.
Vijayaraghavan’s comments, made at a CPI(M) conference in Wayanad, have sparked a fierce political debate. The senior leader insinuated that Muslim fundamentalist groups were behind the electoral success of Congress leaders in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, particularly in the Wayanad constituency. His remarks have ignited reactions from political opponents, particularly the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Congress party, who have criticized the statement as “communal” and “unbecoming” of a senior Left leader.
Despite the backlash, CPI(M) officials and leaders, including MV Govindan (CPI(M) Kerala state secretary) and LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan, have rallied behind Vijayaraghavan, emphasizing that his comments were not an attack on the Muslim community but a critique of what they call the unholy alliance between Congress and what they term communal outfits like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and the Jamaat-e-Islami.
CPI(M)’s Position on Congress Alliances with Communal Forces
The CPI(M) has long maintained a secular stance, but in recent years, its position on alliances with communal forces has become a subject of contention. In defending Vijayaraghavan, CPI(M) leaders argue that his statement was aimed at exposing the alliance between Congress and groups that they describe as communal extremists.
MV Govindan, while addressing the controversy, remarked that both majority and minority communal forces have mounted sustained attacks on the CPI(M). He emphasized, however, that the CPI(M) remains steadfast in opposing such forces, refusing to compromise with them. Govindan added, “Both SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami are tiny communal forces within the Muslim community, but their political influence should not be ignored.”
The CPI(M) also pointed out that SDPI, the **political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), and Jamaat-e-Islami have been key players in the political landscape in Kerala, often providing support to Congress candidates during elections, including the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Vijayaraghavan’s Controversial Comments on Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi’s Victories
The controversy started when A Vijayaraghavan questioned the legitimacy of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s victories in Wayanad in the 2019 general elections. He stated, “Without the support of Muslim fundamentalist elements, would Rahul Gandhi have entered Parliament? He is the leader of opposition there. Then Priyanka Gandhi came. Who were at the front and back of her roadshows? Weren’t there members of minority extremist elements there? Didn’t they support her?”
Vijayaraghavan’s comments were immediately met with strong criticism from Congress and IUML leaders. They accused the CPI(M) leader of trying to communalize the electoral victories of the Gandhis and of undermining the secular foundation of the electoral process. The Congress party in Kerala dismissed the remarks as “cruel” and “unbecoming” of a senior Left leader.
However, CPI(M) officials have dismissed these accusations, claiming that Vijayaraghavan’s statement was aimed at exposing Congress’ alliance with extremist elements and not at the Muslim community as a whole.
LDF Leaders Support Vijayaraghavan’s Position
TP Ramakrishnan, the LDF convenor, also weighed in on the issue, echoing the CPI(M)’s stance. He stated, “Vijayaraghavan has only criticized the move of Congress and IUML to seek support from extremist outfits like SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami. Didn’t the SDPI hold a victory celebration after the win of the UDF candidate in the Palakkad bypoll? There is nothing ‘communal’ about Vijayaraghavan’s remarks. His words are only aimed at protecting society from communal forces.”
Ramakrishnan further clarified that the CPI(M)’s stance was not against the Muslim community but against the political alignment between Congress and what they perceive as extremist elements. The statement reflected the party’s concerns about the long-term consequences of such alliances.
Congress and IUML Respond to Vijayaraghavan’s Remarks
The Congress party in Kerala and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have been particularly vocal in their criticism of Vijayaraghavan’s remarks. VD Satheesan, the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala assembly, accused the CPI(M) of moving closer to the Sangh Parivar’s agenda of creating communal divisions in Kerala.
Satheesan stated, “CPI(M) is moving towards a position that aligns with the Sangh Parivar agenda of creating communal divisions in the state. To say that Priyanka Gandhi’s victory in Wayanad was due to the support of extremists is an insult to the people of Wayanad.”
The Congress leader emphasized that the people of Wayanad voted for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi without regard for religion or caste, and attempting to create communalism around their victories was an unjust attack on the secular nature of the electoral process.
The Political Fallout and Long-Term Implications
The political fallout from A Vijayaraghavan’s comments could have significant implications for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala. While the CPI(M) remains firm in defending the remarks, the Congress and IUML have shown signs of pushing back, potentially straining the alliance in the future.
The controversy also highlights the broader tensions in Kerala’s secular politics, with accusations of communal appeasement being levied against both the Left and Right factions in the state. As political alliances shift and the state heads into future elections, the influence of communal forces and their role in shaping electoral outcomes will continue to be a significant issue for Kerala’s political landscape.