The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has decided to go green. If things go well, the IUML would soon come up with its perspective that addresses several issues related to the State's development, including adverse environmental impact, displacement of people and their rehabilitation.
IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty, at a press conference here recently, had dropped hints about the party's moves in this direction. The IUML has not had any such development perspective even though it presided over several crucial development departments while it was in power. But certain developments have forced the party to take a look at such issues that have rocked the State in recent times.
According to party sources, the IUML is concerned over the growth of Muslim fringe groups and organisations such as the Jamaat-e-Islami by participating in various types of agitations and movements spearheaded by civil society organisations and others. Jamaat-e-Islami State president (Amir) Arif Ali had openly stated that his organisation, while keeping off politics, would participate in movements sponsored by civil society groups. The organisation has been actively participating in several such agitations, including the Plachimada stir. The involvement of Solidarity and other groups in Kinaloor also is being cited as an example.
The Jamaat-e-Islami move to capitalise on its involvement in such movements to make political gains locally by contesting the panchayat elections has made the IUML leadership sit up. The Muslim League does not want to give any space to any of these fringe organisations. According to party leaders, these organisations, by participating in such movements, can gain political credibility. The IUML can no longer turn its back on such moves, according to party leaders.
The new perspective will be finalised through a series of development seminars, the first of its kind to be sponsored by one of the several organisations under the IUML. Officially, the party leaders are not willing to accept that its new move is the outcome of its concern over recent developments in Muslim politics. “We are concerned about the various problems related to development in Kerala, whether it is widening of the National Highways or acquisition of land for an industry or the negative impact on environment. We have to accept this reality and try to forge a development agenda through consensus. As a major political party, we cannot turn our back on this,” according to Mr. Kunhalikutty.
