IUML adopts cautious approach on PM SHRI, Waqf issues
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has decided to tread cautiously on two politically sensitive issues confronting the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government—the continuation
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has decided to tread cautiously on two politically sensitive issues confronting the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government—the continuation of the Centrally PM SHRI scheme and the Kerala High Court’s decision to stay the functioning of the Kerala State Waqf Board. At its first full State leadership meeting since the UDF government assumed office in May, held in Kozhikode on Saturday (July 18), the party decided against taking a public stand either for or against the government on the two issues until it completed internal consultations. The meeting was held against the backdrop of growing unease within the party over the appointment of personal staff to Muslim League Ministers, the PM SHRI scheme controversy, developments relating to the Waqf Board, appointment of individuals allegedly affiliated with right-wing organisations to key government positions, and other political issues.
A senior IUML leader who attended the meeting said the leadership did not hold a detailed discussion on the PM SHRI scheme and instead decided to deliberate on the issue further in a smaller party forum before arriving at an official position. On the Waqf issue, the leader noted that the matter was currently before the court, and that the party would study the legal and political aspects in detail before formulating its position. According to him, the party has, for the time being, decided neither to publicly oppose the government nor extend open support on either issue. “The IUML plans to hold detailed internal consultations to evolve a position that safeguards both the interests of the UDF government and those of the party before making its position public,” the leader added.
Meanwhile, addressing the media after the meeting, IUML national general secretary and Minister for Industries P.K. Kunhalikutty said the PM SHRI scheme was a trap created by the previous Left Democratic Front government. “The UDF government has constituted a sub-committee, and it has been tasked with examining how the issue can be resolved in a manner consistent with Kerala’s secular values,” he added. Kunhalikutty said a final stand would be taken after considering the sub-committee’s recommendations. On the Waqf issue, he said the matter was before court, and that the party would take an appropriate stand after examining all aspects. On the issue of the appointment of personal staff to Muslim League Ministers, party sources said the meeting had decided to examine it further.
The BriefWire