As campaign peaks, spurt in public display of inter-faith affection

Kozhikode: Politicians in the state have never been short of displaying their secular credentials, but it seems this time around candidates are making it a point that they project a picture of inter-religious bonhomie as never before.

As campaigns peak, several Muslim candidates are seen flocking to temple premises to ensure their presence in festivities and rituals while their Hindu counterparts are seen making a beeline to Muslim holy places. Though many are sceptical about this spurt in public display of inter-faith camaraderie, those in the fray vouch that their visits are not choreographed shows meant to get election mileage.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate in Tanur constituency Abdurahiman Randathani said he has attended 12 temple celebrations, including temple rituals, ever since the elections were announced. “I have attended many temple 'idol reinstallation' events and a dozen temple festivities and rituals ever since the campaign started. Also I have made it a point to participate in the community feasts organised by temple committees. I view it as an occasion to uphold our secular traditions,“ Randathani said.

He added that among the temple functions he was present were the coconut breaking ritual at Mannarakkal temple near Ponmundam, inauguration of the Bhairavan Thara at a temple at Iringavoor and other temple festivities in and around Tanur.

IUML candidate in Kuttiady constituency Parakkal Abdullah said he started off his election campaign by visiting the ParvathiParameshwara temple at Kakkattil, where a Bhagavatha Sapthaham was on.

LDF-supported independent candidate K T Jaleel, who is seeking re-election from Tavanur, said that his visit to the Pappinikavu Devi Temple and acceptance of `Vishukaineetam' from the temple priest has been misused by political opponents, allegedly IUML cadres, to unleash a campaign through WhatsApp groups that he had conducted an un-Islamic act.

"I had gone to the temple to meet people on Vishu Day . On knowing that I had come to the temple, the priest Subramanian Namboodiri gave me a pudava as `vishu kaineettam'. But IUML cadres unleashed a vilification campaign against me through WhatsApp groups by circulating the picture of my temple visit and adding the caption that I was accepting the offering from temple after conducting `shatru samhaara pooja. Some even said that I have lost my place in Islam,“ Jaleel said.“Reaching out to people of all religions should not be for elections alone. I have endeavoured to participate in celebrations of all faiths at all times,“ Jaleel said.

Minister for tribal development P K Jayalakshmi visited the Pallikkal Makham (dargah), which is also one of the oldest mosques in the Wayanad district.

Social critic Hameed Chennamangaloor said that most candidates visit places of worship of other religions during election season as part of an image creation exercise and to appeal to voters of other faiths. “The spirit of inter-religious bonhomie is definitely welcome. But we should also note that there have been strident voices even against the practice of lighting the lamp during public functions in the state,“ he said.