Secularism in Malappuram rooted in Panakkad family: Sandeep Varier visits Sadiq Ali Thangal

Malappuram: Sandeep Varier, who recently left the BJP to join the Congress, was warmly welcomed by Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, PK Kunhalikutty, and other Muslim League leaders on Sunday.

Varier recollected that he was born in Perinthalmanna and that his father worked in the district. “I have a strong connection with Malappuram. The secularism that Malappuram enjoys is due to the Panakkad family. This fact is recognised by the entire nation. Panakkad is an ancestral home (tharavad) that has consistently upheld the values of humanity and harmony,” Varier said after the visit.

He praised the Muslim League for promoting communal harmony and shared his experience at Panakkad: “My visit here was met with immense love and sincerity. Those who criticise me with reference to a 'seat', do not know the value of it. At Panakkad, I was given a valuable seat, a place of honour alongside Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. If I valued only power, I would not have joined the Congress which has no power in the State or Centre.” Varier also criticised his former party, saying, “The BJP won't mend its ways even if it is punished. The BJP and CPM might even join forces to eliminate me.”

Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal also expressed his happiness over Varier’s decision to join the Congress, stating, “Sandeep Varier has stepped into the political landscape of secularism.”

PK Kunhalikutty noted that Sandeep’s move marks a shift in the perception that the BJP is the ultimate refuge. “This is the beginning of a resurgence for the Congress. Sandeep’s entry carries national significance,” Kunhalikutty added.

Right-wing media glorifying Varier joining Cong: CM
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the meeting, saying the IUML workers and supporters would not accept it. The CM also accused the media of "glorifying" Varier's joining the grand old party without mentioning his name. 

While addressing a bypoll campaign meeting of LDF candidate P Sarin at Palakkad, Vijayan said the latest turn of events and interventions were due to the anxieties of the "right-wing media" and the grand old party about the upcoming election in the Palakkad assembly segment. He said the people of Palakkad really wished for a change during the November 20 bypoll and the "right-wing camp," which realised this was anxious. 

However, the Left veteran didn't mention Varier's name directly throughout his speech. Vijayan said the news of Varier's paying visit to IUML leaders brought back memories of an election held in Ottapalam in Palakkad soon after the demolition of the Babri Masjid. The CM alleged that though the RSS-led Sangh Parivar demolished the masjid, it was the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and the Congress-led central government that had extended all support for that. 

He further charged that the then IUML leadership was not willing to question the Congress party in Kerala over this out of fear of losing the ministership in the UDF government in the state at that time. The IUML leadership had to face the ire of the party workers then as they had failed to oppose the wrong stand adopted by the Congress party, he charged. Referring to the present developments, the CM said the state's people were aware of all these facts and would realise the opportunistic stand. Everybody, including the secular people and members of the minority communities in Palakkad, has clear knowledge of this person's stance (Sandeep Varier) so far, he said. 

Vijayan alleged that his visit to the Panakkad family was part of an attempt to examine whether any change could be made by holding talks with IUML leaders. The CM also criticised IUML Spremo Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, saying he was acting like a worker of Jamaat-e-Islami. 

Riyas welcomes move; Balan alleges conspiracy
Minister for Public Works and Tourism Mohammed Riyas welcomed Sandeep Varier’s departure from the BJP, saying it weakens the party. “There is debate over whether the Congress is the right place to go after leaving the BJP. Only time will tell if he has abandoned just the party or its ideology as well,” Riyas said.

However, CPM leader AK Balan alleged that Varier’s move to the Congress was part of a conspiracy. “When it became clear that the BJP would lose in Palakkad, the Congress sought RSS support. Sandeep’s entry into the Congress is a result of this conspiracy. He has not abandoned RSS ideology and remains a bridge between the RSS and the Congress,” Balan claimed.

Congress aligning with extremists: K Surendran
BJP state president K Surendran accused the Congress of aligning with extremist forces to avoid defeat. He questioned, “Is SDPI part of the UDF alliance? What is their stance on SDPI’s support? Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan has not yet responded to reports of meetings with Popular Front leaders. Will the Congress declare that it does not want their votes?”

Speaking at a press conference, Surendran reiterated that Varier’s exit from the BJP would not impact the party significantly.