K Anil Kumar, a leader from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), made a statement on Tuesday, suggesting that the party's influence in Malappuram district, Kerala, had led many Muslim girls to reconsider wearing the hijab.
During a seminar organized by an atheist group, Anil Kumar said, "Look at the education system in Malappuram. Was it created by some religious organization? Malappuram district was formed by CPIM. As part of the changes taking place in Malappuram, look at the new women of Malappuram. We believe that there are girls in Malappuram now who will say no to wearing 'that tam' (hijab) on their heads as part of the communist party existing in Kerala and as part of the education system."
This statement triggered strong reactions from various religious organizations and scholars. Samastha, a Sunni scholars' body, accused the CPI(M) of double standards, while IUML leaders K M Shaji and KPA Majeed criticized the CPI(M) for infringing on religious beliefs. They questioned the connection between free thinking and the decision to abandon the headscarf.
In response to the backlash, MV Govindan, the CPI(M) state secretary, disassociated the party from Kumar's claims and emphasized that dressing was an individual's democratic right that should not be encroached upon. CPI(M)-backed MLA KT Jaleel also clarified that the opinion was strictly personal and not the party's official stance, adding that attributing the individual's views to the party's decision was misguided.
Following the CPI(M)'s distancing from Anil Kumar's remarks, the CPI(M) leader, in a Facebook post, affirmed his commitment to upholding the party's stance on the issue.
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