Political Alliances Clash Amid Kerala Communalism Allegations

The CPI(M) accused an alliance of Congress, IUML, SDPI, and Jamaat-e-Islami of backing independent MLA P V Anvar, who has been in conflict with the Left party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Anvar countered, accusing police officials of improper procedures and called for an inquiry, leading to legal actions against him.

The ruling CPI(M) on Tuesday accused an alliance of Congress, IUML, SDPI, and Jamaat-e-Islami of supporting independent MLA P V Anvar. Anvar, who has clashed with the Left party and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on numerous issues, has become a focal point of political tension in Kerala.

The CPI(M) state secretary, M V Govindan, highlighted the presence of Congress and its allies at Anvar's recent public meeting. Govindan raised concerns about the rise of communalism, labeling majority Hindu communalism as a major threat while also cautioning about minority communalism.

Anvar dismissed the CPI(M)'s allegations, asserting that his meeting included democratic and secular-minded attendees. He accused high-ranking police officials of failing to follow procedures in seizing illegally imported gold and demanded a court-monitored probe, leading to a case against him for allegedly tapping phone calls of senior officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)