Kozhikode:
CPM is unlikely to disown minister
K T Jaleel
though the opposition may intensify agitation demanding his resignation after he appeared before
enforcement directorate (ED) for questioning on Friday in the gold smuggling case.
Jaleel enjoys a special relationship with CM
Pinarayi Vijayan which helped him find a place in the cabinet. He was selected though there were senior leaders like P T A Rahim, who had rebelled against IUML’s leadership. But, unlike Rahim,
Jaleel
lacks organizational back up. He rose among the ranks in LDF even while Indian National League, which supported the front for years, stood outside for a long time. After he exited IUML, Jaleel became a weapon for the CPM to take on IUML. He moved closer to Vijayan amid factional feuds in CPM. It is believed that the famous ‘sea and bucket’ metaphor in Pinarayi’s speech against V S Achuthanandan was Jaleel’s contribution.
He remained the vital link between CPM and the Muslim community as the party made efforts to make inroads into the community. The link was strengthened after he became the minister for Haj and Waqf.
Jaleel enjoys a good rapport with Sunni factions in Kerala, especially Kanthapuram group. He was the moving force behind the unity talks between the warring Sunni factions. In Jaleel, the EK faction found a link with the LDF government. Traditionally, the group was dependent on IUML for negotiations with the government.
But things were
not
in favour of IUML after Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal became the president of Samastha Kerala Jam-Iyyathul Ulema, the body of Sunni scholars. To the dismay of IUML, EK faction leaders started direct dealings with LDF government with the minister’s help.
There was a feeling that EK faction leaders were getting cosy to the CPM. Sensing the danger of getting side-lined, IUML tried to torpedo the unity talks of the Sunnis.
CPM cannot afford to lose a leader like Jaleel, who can influence at least some section of the Sunnis at a time when IUML has struck a deal with Jamaat-e-Islami in view of the ensuing elections.
Jaleel will be the ideal person for CPM to exploit the disenchantment a section of the EK faction has with IUML and it may reflect in elections as well.
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