Will the Opposition Leader Respond to Jamaat-e-Islami’s Stance on Religious Nationalism?: M B Rajesh

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister MB Rajesh on Tuesday said the opposition’s aggressive stance on the Sabarimala gold theft case stems from fear that the investigation is closing in on them. He alleged that the opposition is attempting to pressure both the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the High Court.

Addressing a press conference, Rajesh said the High Court itself has sharply criticised attempts to exert pressure on the SIT and has clearly stated that the investigation is proceeding in the right direction. “When the High Court expresses confidence in the SIT probe, Opposition Leader VD Satheesan refuses to accept it,” the minister said.

“The High Court is not there to arrest people named by the opposition leader,” Rajesh remarked, adding that Satheesan has had a long-standing grievance against the court. He recalled that the High Court had once questioned whether Satheesan was acting in public interest or publicity interest.

According to Rajesh, the opposition is panicking because the investigation is now moving towards the UDF. “The LDF’s stand is clear — let a thorough investigation take place under the supervision of the High Court. We have complete faith in the judiciary,” he said.

He added that those responsible for handing over 'Vajivahanam' and fabricating stories about the deterioration of the flagpole would inevitably be brought to justice.

Rajesh also criticised the opposition’s conduct in the Assembly, stating that the UDF refrained from submitting an adjournment motion because it lacked substance on the issue. “Usually, they walk out claiming permission was denied. Today, they walked out fearing that permission might actually be granted,” he said.

Launching a sharp political attack, Rajesh accused Satheesan of maintaining contradictory alliances. “This is a leader who bows before Golwalkar’s portrait with one hand and writes citations praising Jamaat-e-Islami with the other,” he said. He questioned Satheesan’s silence on statements by Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, including remarks by Shura Council member Sheikh Muhammad Karakkunnu, who recently said the organisation cannot abandon its religious-state ideology.

“Does the opposition leader have the courage to respond to this? Will he disown his alliance with the Welfare Party?” Rajesh asked.

Drawing a parallel between the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami, Rajesh said both seek to divide society along ideological lines. “Supporting both and still claiming to be secular is sheer hypocrisy,” he said.

The minister asserted that the CPI(M) has proven its fight against communalism with blood and sacrifice, adding that no CPI(M) leader would ever be found bowing before Golwalkar’s image.

Accusing the UDF of manufacturing false narratives during elections, Rajesh recalled allegations raised during the last Assembly polls — including claims of gold smuggling via the Quran, corruption in COVID kits, gold hidden in dates, and irregularities in brewery approvals. “What ultimately came of all those accusations?” he asked.