Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Compares Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva Organizations as Ideologically Similar, Criticizes Congress Alliance

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has drawn parallels between Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva organizations, describing them as "birds of the same feather." During his address at the 'Meet the Press' event hosted at Ernakulam Press Club, Vijayan criticized the Congress party for forming an alliance with the Muslim organization, labeling such collaboration as "suicidal" for electoral purposes.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Jamaat-e-Islami involves itself in various Kerala matters despite not being historically established in the state. He emphasized that most of Kerala's Muslim population, comprising Sunnis, Mujahids, and other minority groups, do not acknowledge Jamaat-e-Islami as representative.

Vijayan contended that UDF voters would find it difficult to accept Jamaat-e-Islami's ideology and political stance, accusing Congress of entering an "unholy alliance" purely to secure votes. He asserted that both Hindutva forces and political Islamists promote religion-based nationalism and advocate for governance controlled by religious authorities, comparing their ideological approach to that of Mussolini and Hitler.

Referencing Abul A'la Maududi's teachings, Vijayan alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami has created divisions among Muslim communities across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. "In India, political Islamists and Hindutva ideologues are birds of the same feather. Even if they appear to oppose each other, they have explored cooperation," he stated.

The Chief Minister claimed that during the 2011 launch of the Welfare Party of India, the political wing founded by Jamaat-e-Islami, BJP Minority Morcha leader Dr. J.K. Jain was notably present as the only non-organizational attendee. He further alleged that the organization held discussions with RSS in 2023.

Vijayan cited the Jammu and Kashmir elections as evidence of what he described as collusion between BJP and Jamaat-e-Islami to defeat CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who ultimately won. He noted that while many Indian Union Muslim League followers oppose such alliances, the UDF is attempting to appease both Jamaat-e-Islami and the BJP, essentially "pawning the peace and secularism of the state."

Addressing other matters, Vijayan highlighted that Kerala's public distribution system has been strengthened with over Rs 10,000 crore invested during the past nine-and-a-half years. Regarding paddy procurement challenges, he alleged some mill owners were deliberately avoiding cooperation with the government and announced a new cooperative group model to be tested in Palakkad under Civil Supplies Corporation supervision.

The Chief Minister emphasized that power decentralization has been fundamental to Kerala's development and achievements. He explained that funds have been strategically allocated to local bodies with a clear development vision, enabling significant accomplishments including the state's declaration of freedom from extreme poverty scheduled for November 1.

In the current national context, Vijayan stressed the importance of safeguarding secularism and the federal structure of India, noting various challenges in this regard. He affirmed that the Left parties and the LDF remain dedicated to protecting and enhancing secular values in Kerala, highlighting the state's distinctive approach that has gained recognition elsewhere.

The Chief Minister urged voters to support these values in upcoming elections and highlighted Kochi's remarkable transformation. Beyond conventional infrastructure development, initiatives have prioritized improving quality of life and delivering benefits directly to residents.

Vijayan showcased major projects such as Kochi Metro and Water Metro, noting that several other states and countries have expressed interest in implementing similar Water Metro systems. He referenced various Kochi initiatives, including "Samrudhi" to eliminate hunger, housing projects for colony residents, Operation Breakthrough addressing waterlogging issues, modernization of the Ernakulam Market, and cultural sector improvements.