The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has taken swift action to distance itself from its State general secretary, P.M.A. Salam, after he made deeply controversial remarks targeting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
During a public address at Vazhakkad on Saturday, Salam delivered derogatory comments, drawing unflattering comparisons between CM Vijayan and his counterparts in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, while also employing offensive language.
In response, the IUML has explicitly disowned Salam’s statements, unequivocally separating the party from his remarks. Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, the IUML State president, emphasized, “Political criticism is acceptable, but the party will never condone personal attacks on any individual.” He further urged all members to refrain from such personal assaults.
In his speech, Salam controversially contrasted Chief Ministers, noting that M.K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu and Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal had adopted a firm stance on the PM-SHRI scheme, unlike CM Vijayan, who proceeded to sign it. Most controversially, Salam added that the Kerala Chief Minister “did not fit into the categories of being a man or a woman,” a remark that immediately ignited widespread public outrage and condemnation.
P.K. Kunhalikutty, the IUML national general secretary, reiterated the party’s commitment to maintaining dignity even amidst the most intense political debates. He openly recognized Salam’s error, confirming that the party had taken corrective measures and publicly disassociated itself from his comments.
Kunhalikutty further elaborated, stating, “Anyone can make a mistake, including myself. The party is committed to correcting such errors. In Salam’s situation, our president initiated the necessary corrective steps. Should I commit a similar misstep, the party would likewise correct me. The paramount goal remains to clearly communicate the party’s official position to the public.”
The CPI(M) swiftly dismissed Salam’s statements, characterizing them as the “frustrated ramblings” of an individual who understands that the IUML’s chances of regaining power in Kerala remain bleak as long as CM Vijayan is at the helm.
E. Jayan, the CPI(M) district secretary-in-charge, accused Salam of deliberately attempting to inflame communal tensions. Jayan asserted, “Mr. Salam is well aware of his party’s diminishing prospects for returning to power in Kerala.” He further pointed out the existence of over 200 Muslim-managed schools in Kerala that adhere to the Central syllabus and National Education Policy.
The CPI(M) district secretariat issued a strong condemnation of Salam’s statement, deeming it a violation of political decorum. They warned that a Chief Minister dedicated to advancing welfare activities for the populace cannot be undermined or discredited through mere insults.
Education Minister V. Sivankutty also sharply criticized Salam, stating that his derogatory comments unequivocally exposed his true character. “He should not have spoken so vilely,” Sivankutty remarked, adding, “His words clearly revealed his real character.”