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IUML becomes the star attraction in Kerala politics

D Jose in Thiruvananthapuram

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has suddenly become the most sought after political force in Kerala. In fact, the ruling Communists Party of India (Marxist), which had once labeled the IUML 'communal', is now keen to strike an alliance with it, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

This rethinking on the part of the CPI (M) has been forced by the sudden spurt in the growth of fundamentalist outfits in Kerala. Several fundamentalist organisation in the recent past have shifted their base from Tamil Nadu to Kerala following a crackdown on them after the Coimbatore blasts. The CPI (M) is of the view that their tie-up with IUML could become an effective vehicle against fundamentalism in the state.

The CPI (M) state secretary, Pinarayi Vijayan, at a recent meeting was all praise for the fight the IUML has mounted against the fundamentalists. He wanted the party to sharpen its attack on organisations like NDF, which he alleged, had connections with international organisations.

The IUML too has not been lacking in its efforts to keep the CPI (M) in good humour. The party did not have any qualms in participating in the third anniversary celebrations of the LDF government which is led by the CPI (M).

There are reports that several activists of the outlawed Al-Umma and Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam have entered Kerala and taken shelter under the protective umbrella of certain hospitable organisations like the National Democratic Front. They have merged easily with the Tamil migrant population and have begun recruiting men for subversive activities.

The CPI (M) believes that the flow of fundamentalists into Kerala will only increase once the DMK tightens screws on their activities.

Another reason why the IUML's ratings in Kerala have been rising is the near extinction of the People's Democratic Party and the Indian National League. While the PDP has lost its charm after the jailing of its founder leader, Abdul Nasar Madani, in connection with the Coimbatore blasts, the INL led by former IUML president Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait too has failed to make its presence felt.

However, there are some people in CPI (M) who think that any tie-up with the IUML will have disastrous consequences for the party. The party's politburo member, V S Achutanandan, who was instrumental in formulating the party's untouchable attitude towards the IUML, has ruled out the possibility of any change in its stance either at the national or at the state level. He is of the opinion that any alliance between the CPI (M) and IUML would only help the Bharatiya Janata Party.

However, party sources said there was no need for the CPI (M) to take such a rigid stand in Kerala since the BJP is not a force to reckon with here. While the moderates in the party demand complete absorption of IUML into the LDF, the hard liners have veered round to the idea of accepting the less communal sections in the party.

While senior Congress leader K Karunakaran dismissed the possibility of a split in the IUML, the CPI (M) strategists hope that the section which is disenchanted with the present leadership will revolt.

Kerala has already been witnessing a political realignment with smaller parties trying to consolidate their position by merging with other parties. While the Congress (S) has already merged with the National Congress Party floated by Sharad Pawar, the Janata Dal has joined hands with the Kerala unit of the Lok Shakthi formed by Ramakrishna Hegde. The splinter group of the Revolutionary Socialist Party is planning to either go back to the parent faction or join the opposition UDF.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has not been able to establish a presence in Kerala is hunting for strong allies. The party has started secret parleys with leaders of various communities to ensure the support of the socio-cultural organisations they represent. The leaderships of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) and the Nair Service Society have been approached. Both the organisations, which have considerable political clout in the State, are not happy with both the Congress and the CPI (M) for various reasons.

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