IUML Criticizes CPI (M) Over ‘Anti-Muslim Campaigns’ in Lok Sabha Polls

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has strongly criticized the ruling CPI (M), accusing them of running “anti-Muslim campaigns” during the Lok Sabha polls. They claim that this helped the BJP to win the Thrissur seat in Kerala. IUML, a major part of the opposition Congress-led UDF, dismissed the Marxist party’s campaign stating that if there was no Left, the Muslims would become second-class citizens in the country as a “mere joke.” The IUML’s leader, Sadique Ali Shihab Thangal, expressed that the tactics employed by the CPI (M) ultimately benefited the BJP. He urged all parties, including the Left, to examine the reasons behind BJP’s victory and increasing vote share in Thrissur. Thangal emphasized that the IUML has a strong ideological presence to counter the Sangh Parivar. He also highlighted the substantial majority obtained by the UDF candidate in the Guruvayoor assembly segment, where the IUML has a significant presence, despite the BJP’s victory in the Thrissur constituency. Furthermore, Thangal pointed out the IUML’s success in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, where they won by over one and a half lakh votes despite the Muslim population being only 18 per cent. In the crucial Lok Sabha polls, the IUML secured victories in three seats: Malappuram and Ponnani in Kerala, and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu.