IUML says Kanthapuram’s controversial remarks on women ‘scholarly expression’; CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan questions stand

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IUML State president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the ruling Congress in Keralam, on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) justified senior Sunni Muslim scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar’s controversial remarks on women , describing them as a “scholarly expression”, while senior CPI(M) leader P. Jayarajan criticised the view that women should be kept away from public life.

The controversy began after Kanthapuram, speaking at an Islamic conference in Kochi on Sunday, said bringing women onto public platforms would lead to “great destruction” and that Islam prescribed purdah for women to prevent this.

Responding to questions from reporters about Musliyar’s remarks, IUML State president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said he had nothing more to say on the matter. “It was a scholarly expression. Beyond that, I have nothing more to say on the matter. They are scholars. I am not going to comment on that,” he said.

Asked whether women should live in the manner suggested by Musliyar in the present times, Mr. Thangal said he believed the cleric was concerned about the safety of women.

“What he intended to say, I believe, was that women are being hunted in the present situation. He may have made the remark with that concern in mind. There should be some restraint in such matters,” Mr. Thangal said.

“Perhaps he was referring to the broader social situation and expressing his opinion in that context. His intention may have been to speak for the safety and protection of women,” he added.

Asked specifically about the view that women should wear only the purdah and remain inside their homes without entering public spaces, Mr. Thangal said people could have different opinions on social issues. “In society, everyone will have their own opinions. What we can do is work together on issues that concern society as a whole,” he said.

Mr. Thangal was also asked about Musliyar’s reported association with the CPI(M) and the criticism he is facing from the Left party over his remarks, amid speculation that the developments could bring him closer to the IUML.

“As far as the Muslim League is concerned, community unity is important, but social unity is equally important. Muslim League has always worked towards that,” he said.

“The Muslim community has always sought to be part of a common platform for social peace and the orderly functioning of society. This is not limited to Muslims alone; Muslim League wants to move forward along with all sections of society,” he said.

“Social unity is important, and so is unity within the community. That is the approach Muslim League has always followed,” he added.

When reporters pressed him further on Musliyar’s controversial remarks, Mr. Thangal said he had already made his position clear. “I have already said this. Why do you keep asking me the same question? Why single out the League? Why don’t you ask the same question to other parties?” he said.