Perceptions of Political Partisanship and Secularism in Kerala: Muslim League vs BJP
The state of Kerala in India is often noted for its rich cultural and political diversity. However, the political landscape is frequently marked by controversies surrounding secularism and communalism, particularly when it comes to the positioning of the Muslim League and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This article aims to explore why many in Kerala perceive the Muslim League as a secular party while labeling the BJP as a fascist party, addressing key aspects such as ideology, historical context, and social initiatives.
Understanding the Ideological Background
The Muslim League and the BJP have deeply divergent ideological backgrounds that shape their political stances:
Muslim League: While it can be argued that historically Muslim League has represented a specific religious community, its contemporary practices and leadership often crossing religious boundaries suggest a broader focus. The primary ideological foundation of the Muslim League includes traits like community harmony and secular governance. This stance is further bolstered by initiatives such as the construction of homes for various religious communities, including Hindus, highlighting a commitment to social welfare transcending religious lines.
BUILDING A VOTE BANK BY THE MUSLIM LEAGUE (IUML)
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key faction of the Muslim League, has been known for its community-building initiatives. IUML leaders construct housing projects in multiple states, aiming to foster a sense of inclusion and community engagement. These efforts have been lauded for their role in building a diverse and secular vote bank. For instance, KPA Majeed, a prominent leader of IUML, has publicly stated that the organization does not follow a communal agenda but is focused on inclusive governance.
One significant example of IUML's non-communal stance is its approach to sensitive issues like the Ayodhya dispute, where they advocate for peace and harmony. This stance further reinforces the perception of the Muslim League as a secular party aligned with principles of communal harmony and democratic values.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Affiliation to Fascism
By contrast, the BJP, under the leadership of VD Savarkar, has been accused of fostering an ideology that is far from secular, labeled by critics as fascist. Savarkar, a self-proclaimed atheist, propagated ideologies that were not only anti-Muslim but also anti-Christian. This revolutionary approach by Savarkar aimed to shape a communal identity that was not in keeping with democratic and secular principles.
BJP's Approach to Building a Vote Bank
While the BJP has been successful in bolstering its support base, some of its methods have raised significant concerns. For example, in UP, the BJP canceled cases against 28 people involved in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots, effectively giving a skewed narrative to alleged victims of communal violence. Furthermore, attempts by Hindutva groups and police to recreate the 2013 riots in Muzaffarnagar indicate a pattern of communal polarization and violence.
The role of "paid agents" and social media manipulation, often referred to as "tweetitutes," in the BJP's ecosystem has also been scrutinized. Groups like PGurus have highlighted the use of these tactics to influence public opinion, further cementing perceptions of the BJP as a party that harnesses communalism for political gain.
Contextualizing Community Dynamics in Kerala
While the reputation and practices of the Muslim League and BJP are critical in understanding Kerala’s political climate, it is essential to recognize the nuances of the local context. For instance, the presence of Right-wing groups like the Bajrang Dal and the RSS has contributed to a polarized environment, where communal tensions are intensified. However, in Kerala, other factors such as a strong tradition of liberal values and a less vocal Right-wing presence have played significant roles.
RSS operates with a considerable presence in the state, but despite this, they have not been able to gain power due to their involvement in criminal activities. This stands in stark contrast to the situations in other parts of India where communalism has often been successfully weaponized for political gain. Kerala’s commitment to humanity and pluralistic values has thus been somewhat resilient in the face of aggressive communal forces.
Conclusion
The perceptions of the Muslim League and BJP in Kerala are largely shaped by their ideologies, practices, and historical contexts. While the Muslim League is often seen as a secular party, reflecting principles of community harmony and inclusivity, the BJP is often perceived as a fascist party due to its reactionary and communalist ideologies. These perceptions are not just definitive, but also dynamic, influenced by the evolving political and social landscape of Kerala.
It is important to recognize that not all Muslims support the Muslim League and not all BJP followers are uniformly communal. The political climate in Kerala reflects a complex interplay of religious, social, and political factors, contributing to a nuanced understanding of secularism and communalism.