Kunhalikutty cautions LDF against misstepping on Sabarimala

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national general secretary and MLA P.K. Kunhalikutty has warned the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to tread carefully on Sabarimala, citing its past mistakes. “LDF has consistently misstepped on Sabarimala. It is time for them to take a more cautious step,” said Mr. Kunhalikutty here on Monday.

Addressing the media, Mr. Kunhalikutty said the LDF should learn from its past experience. He warned that any attempt by the LDF to use the Sabarimala issue for political gain would backfire once again.

The recently held local body elections had once again shown that people would reject the LDF’s attempts to use Sabarimala as a political weapon, he said, adding that the LDF had faced such rejection twice, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) never sought to politicise the sacred Sabarimala.

Mr. Kunhalikutty said the Congress had no responsibility to answer for the actions of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. As an individual, Mr. Mamkootathil alone was responsible for his actions, he said, adding that the Congress had taken an appropriate decision at the right time and could not be held accountable for the consequences he faced.

The IUML leader said the issue involving Mr. Mamkootathil had not affected the UDF’s electoral prospects in the civic body polls, and would not impact the front in the Assembly polls either.

He said the local body elections were held when the Mamkootathil issue was at its peak, but voters were aware of the facts and rejected it.