Dr. Abdul Salam, Former Calicut University Vice Chancellor, Emerges as BJP’s Choice for Malappuram Seat Despite Past Electoral Setbacks, Highlighting Complexities of BJP-Muslim Relations
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In a move sparking debate and scrutiny, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed its initial candidate list for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, featuring Dr. Abdul Salam as the solitary Muslim nominee. Dr. Salam is slated to contest from the Malappuram constituency in Kerala, raising questions about BJP’s stance towards minority representation.
Dr. Abdul Salam, a seasoned academician at 68, previously vied for the Tirur Assembly seat in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. Despite securing a meagre 9,000 votes and clinching the third position in the race, the BJP’s decision to field him once more underscores the party’s attempt to diversify its candidate pool.
A notable figure in the academic sphere, Dr. Abdul Salam served as the Vice Chancellor of Calicut University from 2011 to 2015. Possessing a PhD and espousing a commitment to education, Dr. Salam’s candidacy adds a unique dimension to BJP’s electoral strategy.
However, amidst this announcement, criticisms have surfaced regarding BJP’s relationship with Muslim communities. The party’s track record, often marred by accusations of fostering communal discord, raises doubts about its sincerity in fostering inclusive representation.
Dr. Salam’s political trajectory also reflects shifts in alliances and ideologies. Originally backed by the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition led by the Congress, Dr. Salam’s transition to the BJP in 2019 following his retirement signals broader political realignments in Kerala.
The Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency, historically a bastion for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), presents a formidable challenge for the BJP. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, IUML’s MP Kunhalikutty secured victory, consolidating the party’s dominance in the region. However, the BJP’s nomination of Dr. Abdul Salam indicates a concerted effort to penetrate this stronghold.
Critics argue that BJP’s overtures towards Muslim candidates may be perceived as tokenism, given its contentious history with minority communities. The party’s espousal of Hindutva ideology and policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have heightened tensions, fueling skepticism among Muslim voters.
As the electoral landscape evolves, the spotlight remains on Dr. Abdul Salam and BJP’s attempts to navigate the complex terrain of minority representation. Whether this nomination translates into genuine inclusivity or mere political expediency remains to be seen, as Kerala prepares for a fiercely contested electoral battle.
