The party, a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, called on all political parties, particularly those with secular views, to recognise and independently decide on their stance on attending the event.
Team Clarion
MALLAPURAM – The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the upcoming consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya for political gains.
IUML’s national general secretary, P.K. Kunhalikutty, expressed concern over what the party perceives as the BJP’s attempt to use the religious event as a political inauguration to take its advantage in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Following a political affairs committee meeting of the party, Kunhalikutty said the BJP government at the Centre has its eyes on the parliamentary elections in mind. “The League highly respects the faith and freedom of worship of the Hindu community. No comment on that. But the opening of the Ram temple is being used politically,” he said.
The IUML emphasised that the issue is political, not religious, and called on all political parties, particularly those with secular views, to recognise and independently decide on their stance.
Regarding the Congress’s stance on the matter, Kunhalikutty commented, “Congress has its own set up, leadership. They are facing a lot of problems. Let them take an independent decision.” The IUML urged the Congress to carefully consider invitation to its national leadership for the temple’s consecration ceremony on January 22, amid uncertainty in the party’s Kerala state unit regarding the political stance to adopt.
IUML supremo Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal also supported the faithful on the Ram Temple issue but expressed disapproval of attempts to turn it into a political agenda for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The party’s statement is perceived as an effort to exert pressure on the Congress’s state unit, which is grappling with the invitation extended to its national leaders.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) in the state has already announced its decision not to attend the ceremony, viewing it as a political move by the BJP in anticipation of the upcoming general elections.
