CPI(M) and Congress Clash Over Jamaat-e-Islami’s Political Role

Speedy Summary

• CPI(M) and Congress clashed over Media One channel’s social messaging and political commentary related to Jamaat-e-Islami.
• The dispute arose from a critical opinion column by Media One managing editor C. Dawood, alleging CPI(M)’s history of stoking Islamophobia for Hindu nationalist votes.
• CPI(M) activists reportedly staged a protest in Wandoor, allegedly threatening to harm Mr. Dawood.
• Congress leader V.D. Satheesan accused CPI(M) of aligning with RSS’s hindu nationalist agenda by demonising Muslim organisations.
• CPI(M)’s state secretary M.V. Govindan alleged that Congress was politically shielding Jamaat-e-Islami for electoral benefits, calling them extremist and accusing Media One of promoting an Islamist agenda.
• Govindan claimed NDF (later PFI) played a divisive role in Malappuram but opposed demonstrative calls for violence against Mr. Dawood.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The escalating friction between the CPI(M) and Congress over Media One’s coverage highlights deep ideological divisions on communal politics and media narratives in Kerala. While both sides accuse each other of exploiting religious identities for political gain, the episode raises broader questions about balancing freedom of speech with responsible reportage amidst heightened sociopolitical sensitivities.

CPI(M)’s legal action against Media One could set a precedent regarding accountability in media content, but it also risks imposing limits on dissenting views-potentially dampening journalistic independence if misused as political leverage. Conversely, overt support by Congress appears calculated toward mobilising minority sympathies but may invite scrutiny regarding its own stance on secularism.

This controversy emphasizes the importance for India-not just Kerala-to foster dialog that prioritizes cohesion without sacrificing critical engagement on sensitive issues like communal tensions or ideological clashes in democracy.

Read more: Published – July 12,2025 03:56 pm IST