A Delhi move by the ‘Grand Mufti’, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, General Secretary of the All India Jamiyyathul Ulama, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
• The meeting occurred before Ramzan, ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, and during the centenary year of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama.
• Aboobacker Musliar shared concerns affecting minorities gathered during his 16-day Kerala Yatra with the Prime Minister.
• Reactions in Kerala were divided, with some lauding his outreach and others condemning his remarks about Muslims experiencing no major problems under the BJP government.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting aimed to reinforce Aboobacker Musliar’s socio-political influence within the Muslim community in Kerala and beyond.
• Aboobacker Musliar’s statement regarding Muslims facing no major issues under the BJP has drawn criticism for potentially softening the stance against government policies.
• Aboobacker Musliar is known for his diplomatic approach and non-explicit political stance, often conveying the sentiment of supporting those who support them.
• His call for reunification of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama is unlikely to have a major impact due to the rival faction's greater numerical strength.
• Despite maintaining equal distance from all parties, the Samastha faction led by Aboobacker Musliar is recognized for supporting the Left Democratic Front in Kerala.
• The participation of Kerala's Chief Minister and Opposition Leader in his Kerala Yatra finale highlights his significance to both major political fronts.
• The Delhi meeting served to reaffirm Aboobacker Musliar’s position, signaling that his leadership and Sunni faction cannot be overlooked in Kerala's political landscape.

Key Concepts Involved:

• All India Jamiyyathul Ulama: An organization of Islamic scholars in India.
• Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama: The largest body of traditional Islamic scholars in Kerala.
• Left Democratic Front: A coalition of left-wing political parties in Kerala.