The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress party in Kerala, has declined the invitation from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) to participate in seminars on the highly contentious Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The IUML accuses the Left party of attempting to sow “conflict” and “division” by excluding the Congress party from the discussions.
According to the IUML, the invitation from the CPI(M) implies a lack of good intentions, and it believes that there is no need for a seminar that only serves to divide people. This response deals a blow to the Left party, which had hoped to secure the League’s participation in its first seminar scheduled for July 15 in Kozhikode district, Kerala.
In a show of solidarity with the Congress, the IUML asserts that it is impossible to effectively oppose the UCC at the national level without the leadership and support of the grand old party. The IUML contends that the issue of the UCC affects all citizens of India and not just the Muslim community.
The UCC has been a highly debated and controversial topic in India for many years. It refers to the proposal of a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all religious communities in the country. Currently, personal laws in India differ based on an individual’s religion, leading to disparities and sometimes discrimination.
The CPI(M), as the ruling party in Kerala, has been attempting to engage various stakeholders in discussions about the UCC to gauge different perspectives and build consensus. The party’s decision to exclude the Congress party from the seminar has been interpreted by the IUML as a deliberate attempt to sideline the grand old party and create rifts within the opposition.
The rejection by the IUML signifies the growing polarization and political maneuvering surrounding the UCC issue in Kerala. The League’s decision to align itself firmly with the Congress reflects the broader political landscape in the state, where the two parties have traditionally been allies.
The IUML’s stance highlights its belief that the Congress party, with its larger national presence and influence, is crucial in effectively opposing the UCC at the national level. By emphasizing the need for unity against the UCC, the IUML seeks to consolidate opposition forces and present a united front against what it perceives as a potential threat to the religious and cultural rights of minority communities.
The rejection of the CPI(M)’s invitation by the IUML may impact the dynamics within the proposed seminar on the UCC. The absence of the League, which represents the interests of the Muslim community, could lead to a skewed representation and potentially undermine the credibility and effectiveness of the seminar.
As the debate on the UCC continues, it remains to be seen how political alliances and positioning evolve in the face of this contentious issue. The rejection of the CPI(M)’s invitation by the IUML reflects the complex web of politics, religion, and identity that surrounds the UCC in India, and highlights the challenges in achieving consensus on this deeply divisive matter.
