Kerala parties clash over scholar's remarks on women in public life

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of Kerala's ruling Congress, has stirred fresh controversy by defending a senior Sunni Muslim scholar's remarks that women should be kept away from public life. The party's state president characterized the comments as "scholarly expression," drawing sharp criticism from Left leaders who called the position a threat to women's rights.

A scholarly defense

Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, IUML state president, faced reporters' questions Tuesday about Kanthapuram's weekend comments that bringing women onto public platforms would lead to "great destruction" and that Islam prescribed purdah for women. Thangal repeatedly deflected, calling the remarks a matter of scholarly opinion.

"It was a scholarly expression. Beyond that, I have nothing more to say on the matter. They are scholars. I am not going to comment on that," Thangal told reporters.

When pressed specifically about the suggestion that women should wear purdah and remain inside their homes, Thangal acknowledged differing opinions but declined to criticize the scholar. "Perhaps he was referring to the broader social situation and expressing his opinion in that context," Thangal said, suggesting the remarks might have been motivated by concern for women's safety.

Democratic pushback

CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan fired back with a Facebook post that balanced respect for religious expression with a firm defense of women's rights. While acknowledging every believer's right to speak about their faith, Jayarajan drew a clear line at prescriptions that would limit women's participation in public life.

"Protecting women's freedom, equality and participation in public life is a fundamental duty of a democratic society," Jayarajan wrote.

He specifically defended the All India Democratic Women's Association's criticism of Musliyar's remarks, noting the organization has opposed marginalization of women across religious communities. Jayarajan also connected the current controversy to broader patterns, referencing the organization's opposition to Sangh Parivar forces that uphold the Manusmriti regarding women.

Broader context

The remarks come amid ongoing tension over a recent circular issued by Kanthapuram's faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the state's prominent council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars. The circular stated women should not share stages with men or appear in public spaces alongside them—a position that has drawn criticism from women political leaders across parties.

As Thangal grew increasingly frustrated with repeated questioning, he finally challenged reporters: "Why single out the League? Why don't you ask the same question to other parties?" The exchange highlights the delicate political balancing act in Kerala's complex coalition politics, where religious sensitivity and women's rights increasingly collide.