Kerala politics, a delightful playground where left and right dance with each other while juggling ideologies, all under the watchful eye of opportunism. Let’s take a sarcastic journey into the realm of political shenanigans and witness the captivating drama unfold.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), oh how they have mastered the art of “divide and rule.” Deeply rooted in communist ideologies, they cunningly engage with Muslims, all the while ensuring their strong vote base of Ezhavas remains intact. Who needs consistency when you can skillfully manipulate minorities for your own political gains?
The last assembly election, what a spectacle it was. While some may argue that the distribution of COVID-19 kits played a role in the CPI(M)’s victory, we know better. It was the genius move of instilling insecurity among minorities that truly won the day. The anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests against the BJP provided the perfect backdrop to stoke fear and gain traction in minority-dominated areas. Bravo, CPI(M), for playing the insecurity card like a seasoned maestro.
And how can we forget the grand stage of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? The CPI(M) jumps into action, ready to join hands with Muslim outfits and the IUML to protest against it. The irony is truly exquisite. While they claim to champion progressive values, they conveniently ignore that a comprehensive UCC would apply to all religions. Consistency? Who needs that when you can prioritize vote bank politics?
Let’s rewind and explore the amusing history of the CPI(M)’s stance on personal laws. From stirring controversies with statements against ‘Shariat’ in 1984 to campaigning against Muslim Personal Law in 1987, they have certainly shown their commitment to consistency. Or perhaps we should call it inconsistency?
But fear not, recent years have witnessed a miraculous transformation within the CPI(M). Suddenly, laws they once labeled as “discriminatory” are now subjected to scrutiny. A special leave petition challenging Muslim inheritance laws highlighted their apparent discriminatory nature and misinterpretations of Quranic principles. Kerala-based organizations and social activists led the charge for reform, and the CPI(M)-led government was directed to submit an affidavit regarding the matter. However, the government seems to have misplaced its affidavit in the hustle and bustle of politics.
Enter the Forum for Muslim Women’s Gender Justice, a women-led movement determined to push for reforms in Muslim personal laws, particularly regarding inheritance. However, their support for progressive changes comes with a caveat. They vehemently oppose the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, because, you know, preserving religious and cultural diversity is only important when it aligns with their narrative.
Oh, the Selective Outrage and strategic insecurity in Kerala politics! The CPI(M) knows exactly how to attract the attention of one section of society, conveniently forgetting about Christians and other communities. But fear not, the Congress, always ready for a twist, finds itself in a tight spot. While a Himachal Pradesh minister and Congress leader welcomes the UCC, the CPI(M) accuses the Congress of being hesitant to take a firm stand against the Sangh Parivar. Oh, the tangled web they weave!
As elections loom closer, get ready for more games and counter games. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the political theatrics unfold before your eyes. Remember, it’s just a game — a captivating, satirical game of power, insecurity, and selective outrage.
