There has been a tremendous stir in Kerala over the rapid growing population of the Muslim community. But surprisingly, there is no BJP anywhere in this ruckus. Generally, the BJP has been accused of being a hand behind the emergence of such issues across the country, but there is something else in Kerala. In fact, Sri Narayan Dharma Pratulana Yogam (SNDP) General Secretary Vellapalli Nattation said that Kerala will become a Muslim dominated state by 2040.
Along with this, he also said that Chief Minister Vijayan is going to come to power for the third time. He said that Muslims have become invincible forces in the state. Nattation alleged that some Muslim religious leaders in which Kanthapuram, A.K. P. Abubkari Muslim has an influence on the government. The situation is such that before implementing any reform, Malappuram (Muslim -majority district) has to be taken.
Why is Congress making a big issue
On Saturday, Nattation said that IUML (Indian Union Muslim League), which is active in North Kerala, is now an eye on the seats of central Kerala in the next assembly elections. Nattation said that after winning the election, IUML is now looking at the post of Chief Minister. Nattation is not a big name in Kerala politics. But the way the Congress is raising his words, obviously it will become a big leader very soon. The Congress has alleged that this divisive statement is making these divisive statements at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Obviously, this is exactly the same way as the opposition parties of India coalition in the country today speak the BJP’s B team to other opposition.
In fact, without capturing Muslim votes in Kerala, the Congress and its alliance will never be able to come to power. It is obvious that the bigger the issue of the Congress Nattation, the more Muslims will come in their favor. However, as much as the Congress is engaged for Muslim vote, Vijayan is engaged for Hindu votes.
This is what his silence on two consecutive statements of Nattation. About two months ago, Nattation gave a similar statement to the Muslim community. Which the Chief Minister had defended by saying that Nattation did not mean to say. It is obvious that Chief Minister Vijayan is active about Hindu votes. Till now the Congress has been getting Hindu vote in Kerala. On which the BJP is vulture. But the BJP is still strong in some parts in the state. Therefore, Hindu votes will be killed in Kerala.
Is Muslim population really growing rapidly in Kerala
According to the 2011 census, Kerala has a population of 3.34 crores. In which Hindus are 54.73%, Muslim 26.56%, and Christians 18.38%are major communities. The Muslim community, especially the Malabar region, is spread over Malappuram, Kozhikode etc. According to many estimates, after 2011, the Muslim population has now reached 28-30%. Which indicates slow but stable growth. This growth is mainly possible due to high fertility rates and petro dollars coming from Gulf countries.
According to National Family Health Survey 2019–21, the total fertility rate in Kerala is more than all religious people at this time. The growth rate of 2.3 in Muslims, 1.7 of Hindus and 1.8 percent of Christians. This shows that the birth rate in the Muslim community is high, but it is not so much that they become majority in the next 15 years. But it is obvious that this is enough to organize Hindus and create fear of them being a minority in their future.
Politics of Muslim appeasement in Kerala
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a major political representative of the Muslim community in Kerala. And is part of the UDF (Congress -led coalition). In the 2021 assembly elections, 15 IUML MLAs won, which is 10.7% of the 140 seats in the state. Critics say that this representation indicates inconsistent impact despite being less than the population ratio (26.56%). IUML demands like safety and religious education etc. have been supported by UDF. Which other parties have been accepting appeasement.
However, during the Lok Sabha elections, the way Rahul Gandhi had opted out of Muslim issues for the vote of Hindus here was also a different kind of politics. CM Vijayan repeatedly kept challenging Rahul Gandhi why he is not speaking in the state on the issue of CAA. Vijayan used to say in his meetings that Rahul did not mention the CAA even during his India’s journey. All these Vijayan Congress was doing the Congress with the intention of breaking the Muslim vote. Vijayan also said during that time that no state government of Congress passed a resolution in the assembly against the CAA. Not only this, Rahul Gandhi was also seen avoiding the flags of his ally Muslim League in his rallies.
The CPI (M) -led LDF government has introduced coaching centers and scholarships for minority students. In 2010, the state government formed a policy of 50% reservation and fee waiver for Muslim students for IAS and KPSC exams, which was declared unconstitutional by the Kerala High Court. However, this policy remained controversial and was considered an example of appeasement.
In 2023, a budget allocation of Rs 1000 crore for the development of minority -dominated areas was also in the discussion, which some Hindu organizations saw as inequality. It is obvious that Muslim appeasement in the state is doing all parties. But due to the vocal of Hindus, now there is going to be a tremendous struggle between UDF and LDF.
—- End —-