Kozhikode: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala is preparing to host a Minorities Sangamam in mid-October to address growing discontent among Muslim organisations. The event comes at a time when the Communist Party of India (Marxist) faces criticism over its perceived tilt toward soft-Hindutva politics.
The Sangamam will be organised by the Department for Minority Welfare, with active participation from the Minorities Commission and the Minorities Development Finance Corporation. Around 2,000 delegates representing Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Parsi communities are expected to attend. The venue is likely to be Kochi or Kozhikode.
The decision follows opposition allegations that the recent Global Ayyappa Sangamam was designed to appeal to Hindu voters. By holding a minorities-focused event, the CPM aims to counter this charge and halt the erosion of Muslim votes ahead of the upcoming elections.
Tensions between the CPM and Muslim groups have intensified over several incidents. In August, a CPM protest march targeted Darul Huda Islamic University in Thirurangadi, accusing it of environmental violations. The university, run by the EK Sunni faction, dismissed the protest as politically motivated. Another protest at a Thrissur school controlled by the Sunni Kanthapuram faction further deepened mistrust.
Discontent grew when CPM leaders did not respond to remarks by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, which many Muslims viewed as anti-community. Analysts say organisations like Jama’at-e-Islami are gaining influence as disillusionment with the CPM increases.
