PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madani has been labelled the “ambassador of extremism” by CPM state committee member P. Jayarajan, who claims that Madani played a significant role in radicalizing Muslim youth in Kerala. These remarks appear in Jayarajan’s new book, Keralam: Muslim Rashtreeyam, Rashtreeya Islam, which is set to be released by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kozhikode.
Jayarajan argues that Madani’s speeches following the demolition of the Babri Masjid were pivotal in fueling extremist sentiments among Muslim minorities. He also criticizes the Islamic Sevak Sangh, an organization founded by Madani, for allegedly providing arms training to Muslim youths.
The book references police reports indicating that Thadiyatavide Nazeer, linked to multiple terror cases, was influenced by Madani’s emotional rhetoric. While Jayarajan notes a shift in Madani’s position after his acquittal in the Coimbatore blast case in 2007, he expresses concerns about the ‘theocratic ideology’ of Jama’at-e-Islami and its role in radicalizing Muslims in Kerala.
Jayarajan further contends that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has allied with Jama’at-e-Islami, contrary to its previous stance, in response to rising anti-Muslim sentiment since the BJP came to power. He alleges that political Islamists have forged alliances with Maoists, a banned organization in India, citing the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP) as a cover group for this coalition.
In response, the PDP dismissed Jayarajan’s claims, asserting that Madani does not need validation from the CPM. They likened his assertions to a blind person’s description of an elephant, indicating a lack of understanding of Madani’s contributions. The PDP said that there are no ongoing legal cases against Madani related to his work with the Islamic Sevak Sangham and that he has been acquitted in prior cases.
Furthermore, the PDP said that Madani’s followers have maintained peace in Kerala, despite his long incarceration and previous attempts on his life by the RSS. They rejected Jayarajan’s accusations as unfounded and contemptuous, reiterating that Madani has historically spoken out against the Sangh Parivar and fascist forces.
