Majority and minority communalism have to be resisted, says Kerala CM

The statement by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging resistance against both majority and minority communalism, is a significant pronouncement that resonates deeply with India's constitutional ethos and contemporary socio-political challenges. Delivered at a reception for the Samastha Shatabdi Sandesh Yatra, an event organized by the influential Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, this highlights the state's proactive stance on maintaining social harmony.

**Background Context:**

India, a nation renowned for its 'unity in diversity,' has enshrined secularism as a core principle in its Constitution, as affirmed by the Preamble, which declares India a 'Secular' republic. However, the country has a long history of communal tensions, often fueled by political opportunism and social divisions. Communalism, broadly defined as the aggressive assertion of one's own religious identity at the expense of others, has manifested in various forms, leading to riots, discrimination, and a fracturing of social trust. In recent decades, there has been a growing discourse around the rise of majoritarian nationalism, often perceived as a threat to the rights and security of minority communities. Simultaneously, concerns have been raised about certain forms of minority communalism that can also exacerbate divisions and hinder integration. Kerala, despite its high literacy rates and generally progressive social indicators, is not entirely immune to these dynamics, with occasional incidents of communal polarization.

**What Happened:**

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at the reception for the Samastha Shatabdi Sandesh Yatra at Putharikandam Maithanam in Thiruvananthapuram, unequivocally stated the need to resist both majority and minority communalism. The event itself, a 'Sandesh Yatra' (message procession) led by Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, president of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, provided a prominent platform for such a message, given the organization's significant influence within the Muslim community in Kerala.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

1. **Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (and CPI(M) government):** As the head of the state government, his statement carries significant weight. It reflects the political ideology of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which often emphasizes secularism, social justice, and protection of minority rights. The CPI(M) has historically positioned itself as a bulwark against communal forces.

2. **Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama:** This is one of the largest and most influential Sunni Muslim scholarly bodies in Kerala. Its decision to organize a 'Sandesh Yatra' and host the Chief Minister indicates its engagement with broader social issues and its potential role in promoting inter-community harmony. Their leadership, particularly Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukoya Thangal, plays a crucial role in shaping community discourse.

3. **The People of Kerala and India:** Ultimately, the message is directed at all citizens, urging them to uphold secular values and resist divisive forces. Their response and adherence to these principles are critical for maintaining peace.

**Why This Matters for India:**

This statement is profoundly significant for India for several reasons. Firstly, it reaffirms the constitutional commitment to secularism, a foundational pillar of the Indian state. In an era where debates around secularism and identity politics are increasingly polarized, a clear stance from a Chief Minister reinforces the importance of this principle. Secondly, by explicitly mentioning both majority and minority communalism, the CM acknowledges that communal tendencies can arise from any group, thereby promoting a balanced and inclusive approach to combating such forces. This perspective is vital for national integration and social cohesion. Thirdly, it underscores the role of political leadership in fostering communal harmony and preventing the erosion of social fabric. For a state like Kerala, known for its pluralistic society and high human development indices, maintaining peace is crucial for continued progress.

**Historical Context:**

Communalism has been a recurring challenge in India's history, predating independence. The partition of India in 1947, marked by widespread communal violence, cast a long shadow. Post-independence, various commissions and committees (e.g., Srikrishna Commission) have investigated communal riots, consistently highlighting the role of organized groups and political manipulation. The rise of identity politics in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often leveraging religious sentiments, has further complicated the landscape. The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 and subsequent events are stark reminders of how communal tensions can escalate and impact the nation's secular foundations.

**Future Implications:**

The CM's statement sets a precedent for political discourse, urging leaders to adopt a comprehensive approach to communalism. In the short term, it reinforces Kerala's commitment to secular values and may encourage similar statements from other state leaders. In the long term, it highlights the ongoing challenge of communalism and the need for continuous vigilance and education. It also underscores the importance of inter-faith dialogue and the role of religious leaders in promoting peace. The future of India's secular fabric depends on the collective will of its citizens and leaders to resist all forms of communalism, ensuring that the nation's diverse communities can coexist harmoniously.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

* **Preamble of the Indian Constitution:** Declares India a 'Secular' republic, meaning the state has no official religion and treats all religions equally.

* **Article 14:** Guarantees 'Equality before law' and 'Equal protection of laws' to all persons.

* **Article 15:** Prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.

* **Articles 25-28:** Enshrine the 'Right to Freedom of Religion,' ensuring freedom of conscience, free profession, practice, and propagation of religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.

* **Article 29 & 30:** Protect the 'Cultural and Educational Rights' of minorities, allowing them to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture and establish and administer educational institutions.

* **Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Sections 123(3) and 123(3A)):** Prohibits appeals to religion, race, caste, community, or language during elections and penalizes the promotion of feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language.

* **Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153A and 295A:** Deal with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony, and deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, respectively.