Kerala polls: Kanthapuram Sunni group signals support to LDF

The Sunni faction led by Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar is set to maintain its tacit alignment with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the April 9 Assembly election in the State.

Now consolidated under the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, the group has broadly backed the LDF since 1989. The group was electorally guided by its pragmatic credo that “we will support those who support us”.

A recent leadership meeting at Kozhikode last week reviewed the State’s socio-political climate and acknowledged the backing it received from the LDF government. While no formal directive has been issued in favour of any front, observers interpret the silence as a continuation of its longstanding electoral posture.

Mr. Aboobacker Musliar has never publicly endorsed any political front. As recently as last week, he reiterated that no decision on electoral support had been made. “We will let you know when we decide,” he told the media.

Over the past four decades, he has consistently avoided explicit political endorsements, preferring instead to maintain a studied ambiguity, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.

Leaders of the Muslim Jamaat in Malappuram and Kozhikode said that no voting instructions were circulated. “It is essentially a conscience vote,” said K.P. Jamal, Malappuram district secretary.

Youth wing functionaries too echoed this and stressed voter autonomy in the absence of any official directive. “We have not got any message or circular. The current situation does not demand such a circular. We are free to vote as per our choice,” said Khalid Melmuri, zonal head of the Muslim Jamaat youth wing.

Despite the absence of an explicit call, the group’s historical proximity to the LDF, and its continued institutional presence, including the State Haj Committee chairmanship, suggest an implicit tilt toward the Left.

At the same time, there is an internal diversity in the group. There are many members within the Muslim Jamaat supporting the Congress and other parties.

Meanwhile, the IUML, once at odds with the Kanthapuram faction, has been making overtures to rebuild ties. An Iftar meeting between IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty and Mr. Kanthapuram on March 10 was a sign of thawing relations between the IUML and the Sunni group.