Kochi: In a recent incident involving a Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) member, K Anilkumar, and his comments regarding Muslim women's hijab, a political and ideological debate unfolded within the party. Anilkumar's remarks were made during an atheist conference in Thiruvananthapuram, where he stated that the CPM had inspired some Muslim women to give up wearing the hijab in Malappuram, a predominantly Muslim region in Kerala. However, his comments didn't go unopposed.

K T Jaleel, an LDF (Left Democratic Front) MLA and former Minister, expressed his disagreement with Anilkumar's views on hijab through a Facebook post. Jaleel emphasized that Anilkumar's opinion was personal and shouldn't be attributed to the entire party. He argued that giving up the hijab isn't necessarily a sign of progress, and the CPM hasn't encouraged Muslim girls to do so. CPM State Secretary M V Govindan also opposed Anilkumar's statements, asserting that an individual's dress is their right, protected by the Constitution. He stressed that no one should interfere in personal choices, and Anilkumar's remarks didn't reflect the party's stance.

A M Arif, the lone CPM Member of Parliament from Kerala, endorsed K T Jaleel's Facebook post, stating that Anilkumar should have studied the issue more thoroughly. Anilkumar's comments received backlash from various Muslim organizations, including Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the Indian Union Muslim League, and its student wing, the Muslim Students Federation (MSF). Opposition leader V D Satheeshan from the Congress party also criticized Anilkumar's statements and questioned the difference between the CPM and the BJP.

In response to the controversy, Anilkumar later clarified in a Facebook post that his views align with the party's position, effectively retracting his earlier statements. This episode highlights the internal dynamics within the CPM, particularly concerning the party's stance on religious and cultural issues. It demonstrates that influential Muslim leaders within the CPM often uphold traditional and religious practices while engaging in political activities. Additionally, it underscores the party's reluctance to endorse a Uniform Civil Code, a stance rooted in its support for diverse cultural practices, even when some members express reservations about certain customs.

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