Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama urges restraint after IUML women candidates debate

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal urged leaders to avoid statements that could draw the organisation into political controversy. The comment follows Samastha leader Mukkam Umar Faizi’s criticism of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for fielding women candidates from general seats ahead of the April 9 Kerala Assembly polls.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal on Sunday asked leaders to avoid comments. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said such remarks could pull the organisation into political disputes. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal spoke after Samastha leader Mukkam Umar Faizi criticised the IUML over women candidates. Kerala votes on April 9.

In a statement, Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said parties decide candidates in every election. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said party leaders must judge the benefits and risks. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal also warned responsible members against making such statements. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal added that religious and party views can differ on such issues.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama and IUML women candidates

Mukkam Umar Faizi had earlier spoken to a news channel about women candidates and seat choice. Mukkam Umar Faizi said women candidates should have been fielded only from seats reserved for them. Mukkam Umar Faizi linked this to earlier talks on raising reservation for women. Mukkam Umar Faizi said the IUML had sought Samastha’s opinion then.

According to Mukkam Umar Faizi, Samastha had shared a clear view during that discussion. Mukkam Umar Faizi said Samastha conveyed women could be considered for reserved seats. Mukkam Umar Faizi added that women need not be chosen for general seats. The remarks triggered fresh attention because the IUML later named women from general constituencies.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama response to IUML candidate choices

Referring to two such nominations, Mukkam Umar Faizi said the IUML should follow Samastha’s stand. Mukkam Umar Faizi argued that most of the Muslim community aligns with the scholar body. The IUML has fielded Fathima Thahiliya, a Youth League leader, from Perambra in Kozhikode district. The party also nominated Jayanthi Rajan, a non-Muslim woman, from Koothuparamba in Kannur district.

Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal’s message placed the focus back on internal restraint. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal said political parties must handle their own election choices. Sayyid Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal urged leaders to avoid statements that can create controversy. With polling set for April 9, the organisation signalled caution on public comments.

With inputs from PTI