New Panchayats 'Strategically' Carved Out to Create IUML Pockets: CPM
Published: 23rd January 2015 05:58 AM | Last Updated: 23rd January 2015 05:58 AM | A+A A-
KOZHIKODE: As the Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) selfish political motives gains upper hand in the delimitation of panchayats, the communal bickerings are poised to escalate in Northern Kerala, the CPM has observed.
According to CPM leaders, new grama panchayats are ‘strategically’ carved out in Kozhikode to create IUML pockets in the region. The division of panchayats on communal lines is evident in Malappuram, Kannur and Kasargod districts.
‘’For instance, a new panchayat, Kaively, has been formed in Kozhikode by carving Hindu-populated portions of Naripetta and Kayakodi panchayats. More than 90 percent of the families in Naripetta and Kayakodi panchayats are Muslims. Perhaps, this could be the first time the state is witnessing such government-sponsored communal polarisation by yielding to narrow-minded political motives,’’ said CPM leader K P Kunhammedkutty Master.
The situation is no different in the case of the newly proposed Memunda panchayat.
‘’The Hindu-populated regions of Villyapally and Thiruvalloor panchayats will be chipped off to form the new panchayat. Similarly, Mavoor, Chathamangalam and Kunnamangalam panchayats will emerge as Muslim citadels when a new panchayat is formed by adding the Hindu-populated portions of the three local bodies,’’ he said.
CPM leaders alleged that the delimitation of panchayats was not done based on revenue, population or geographical factors but to help the IUML in forming exclusive party’s bastions in the district.
‘’If population was the criteria for delimitation, Nadapuram and Eramala grama panchayats should have been given top priority. But, both these grama panchayats are not in the government’s proposal as IUML already has an upper hand in the region,’’ he said.
Strongly criticising the move, Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan said that the state government should show utmost vigil while taking decisions on delimitation.
‘’Dividing panchayats on communal lines will become a major threat to the society. The rulers should have a vision. The secular tradition and communal harmony being enjoyed by Malabar were not achieved through easy means but through committed work by leaders of national movements,’’ he said.
IUML state general secretary K P A Majeed, when contacted, denied the allegations and said the party had not come across such allegations. ‘’The government notification is yet to come and still there is time for the aggrieved parties to file appeals,’’ he told ‘Express’.
Meanwhile, the suburbs of Kozhikode district are witnessing agitations under the leadership of CPM alleging that the government move would create communal polarisation across the region. ‘’We will oppose the government move both politically and legally,’’ Mohanan said.