Palestine issue: CPI(M) gains initiative as Congress flounders in its response

In the backdrop of the controversy over CPI(M)’s upcoming pro-Palestine rally on November 11 at Kozhikode, the party has extended its invitation to Congress leader Aryadan Shoukath and other like-minded members of the Congress to join the state-wide protest in Kozhikode.

Shoukath, the Congress’ general secretary, was recently issued a stern warning by the party leadership for organising a Palestine solidarity event in Malappuram under the aegis of the Aryadan Mohammed Foundation.

The invitation by CPI(M)’s state secretary Govindan to Shoukath comes days after the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) declined his party’s invitation to join the solidarity rally, stating that the call to organise such an event should be taken together by all parties.

IUML stays away

The decision not to participate in the Kozhikode rally was announced by IUML’s national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty on Saturday (November 4). He said that while his party supported the solidarity rally that is being planned, they could not “technically” take part in it because they were a part of the United Democratic Front (UDF). He went on to add that all political parties should support such a righteous cause.

Responding to this announcement by the IUML, MV Govindan, the state secretary of the CPI(M), issued a statement while addressing a press conference at his party’s headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (November 5). He said, “The CPI(M) consistently supports the struggle of Palestine for their independent homeland. Nations worldwide are demonstrating their solidarity against the genocidal attacks by Israel. We are planning to organise Palestine solidarity protests across the state. Unlike the Congress, we haven't taken such actions yet. They have issued a warning to Aryadan Shoukath for organising a pro-Palestine event recently. We extend our invitation to him and other like-minded Congress members to join our support rally for Palestine on November 11th in Kozhikode.”

“Our approach is inclusive, and our support for Palestine is a reflection of our political stance. Our national movement has a history of observing Palestine Day in 1936, with leaders like Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi following this stance. It was only with Narasimha Rao that the Congress shifted its stance in favour of Israel. Now, the Congress in Kerala is firmly aligned with Israel, as indicated by Shashi Tharoor's speech at the IUML rally,” read the statement.

Consistent support

Since the Gaza invasion of Israel began on October 8 following a surprise attack by Hamas, the CPI(M) has consistently supported the Palestinian cause. While some leaders, like KK Shailaja, initially labelled Hamas as terrorists in knee-jerk reactions, the party has remained steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and has been actively organising various protest events all over the state.

The Congress, in contrast, appeared somewhat uncertain about the stance to adopt. Leaders such as Shashi Tharoor criticised Hamas and described Israel's actions as retaliatory strikes, causing a major embarrassment for their long-time allies, IUML. Interestingly, Tharoor made these controversial remarks during a rally organised by IUML in solidarity with Palestine. The IUML leaders had to respond to him at the event, but he remained firm in his position, leading to frustration among some IUML members and providing an opportunity for the CPI(M) to take advantage of the situation.

The Congress’ uncertainty in its stance became evident from the beginning when KPCC vice-president VT Balram called for the complete disarmament of Hamas while condemning the Gaza attack. This statement, which was seen as naive, did not receive a positive response from Muslim organisations in the state.

Backing Muslim nations

Historically, the communist parties in the state have been quick to react to global political developments and align themselves with issues that support their political interests. They have a strong track record of supporting Muslim countries whenever they were in conflict with Western forces led by the US. Whenever Muslim minorities became disillusioned with the Congress, the CPI(M) stepped in, and the same pattern repeated this time as well. The invitation for the IUML to join the Palestine solidarity rally was one of such overtures.

The ruling party had extended an invite to the IUML for the seminar against the Uniform Civil Code as well last July. Owing to the pressure from the Congress, the Muslim party cordially turned down the invite stating that they were a part of the UDF and that the CPI(M) and Congress should come together on issues like this, in the wake of the INDIA alliance formation.

However, the CPI(M) leadership highly commended the IUML's Palestine solidarity rally organised in late October, despite being overshadowed by Shashi Tharoor's controversial speech. When the CPI(M) extended its invitation to the IUML, the party was extending its strategy to woo not only the minority vote bank but the party also.

Even though the Congress managed to dissuade their junior partner for a second time, all is not well between the UDF partners. Not every leader in the IUML is happy over the alleged shift in Congress’ Palestinian policy.

“Despite our significant political differences with the CPI(M), within the context of state affairs, there is no doubt that the Communists make a more reliable ally in the realm of international politics. They have consistently supported the Muslim cause for a long time, and we have faith in their commitment to it,” expressed a senior IUML leader who feels constrained to speak.

‘Technical difficulty’

“The IUML on Sunday said that they are not attending the rally on November 11 due to technical difficulties. We all understand that the technical difficulty is the opposition raised by the Congress party. The programme, however, has their support. They made it clear in yesterday's press meet that they support the cause,” said MV Govindan, the CPI(M) state secretary.

On the other hand, the challenges before Congress seem to be far from over. A faction within the party, in the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district, seized this moment to resolve internal disputes, particularly concerning the appointment of block presidents, by arranging a large rally in solidarity with Palestine. Arayadan Shaukath, a Congress leader and the son of the late Congress stalwart Aryadan Mohammed, was at the forefront of this mass rally, going against the directive of the KPCC President. As a consequence, Congress has sent a show cause notice to the dissatisfied leader, and he has agreed to respond.

VD Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, however, has alleged that the CPI(M) is exploiting the Palestine issue for its short-term political gains. “The CPI(M) is organising a pro-Palestine rally, but they are focusing the conversation around the League and the UDF. They are trying to use the serious issue of Palestine for political gains,” he said.

A month of deadly attacks on Gaza has triggered significant political repercussions in Kerala, with the ruling CPI(M) seemingly succeeding in gaining the support of the state’s minority communities. The uncertain position adopted by the Congress could have serious consequences for them unless they take swift political action to address the situation, feel many political observers.