Kanthapuram's Women‑Restriction Directive Sparks CPI(M) Rift in Kerala

A directive by prominent Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar restricting Muslim women’s participation in public religious events has reignited a political and social debate in Kerala, straining long-standing ties between his Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama faction and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].

The circular, issued by Mr. Kanthapuram, who serves as the general secretary of Samastha and Grand Mufti of India, instructed mahals (religious halls) and madrasas (Islamic schools) under Samastha to uphold Islamic norms during religious programmes. It specifically called for preventing women from sharing the stage or public space with unrelated men and cautioned against incorporating non-Islamic customs into Islamic festivals. Samastha clarified that the directive was not new but aimed at reinforcing existing religious practices amid evolving public celebrations such as the Milad-e-Sharif, which have increasingly expanded beyond traditional venues into larger community events.

During a meeting in Kochi, Mr. Kanthapuram reiterated his stance, asserting that women should remain at home to avoid “chaos” and advocating for the practice of purdah as a preventive measure. His remarks sparked sharp criticism from leaders of the CPI(M) and women’s organizations. Former Minister and CPI(M) Central Committee member P.K. Sreemathy demanded the withdrawal of the circular, while former Minister K.K. Shailaja condemned the idea of confining women to their homes as a feudal practice. AIDWA leader C.S. Sujatha and SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev also voiced opposition, with former Minister A.K. Balan stating that the CPI(M) would oppose Mr. Kanthapuram’s position.

Political leaders from other parties in Kerala also weighed in. Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna, a Congress leader, warned that such views could set back women’s rights by centuries and emphasized their constitutional right to participate in public life. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala similarly opposed restrictions on women’s presence in public spaces.

In response, the Kanthapuram faction defended the directive through its mouthpiece, *Siraj*. Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) State general secretary Rahmathulla Saqafi Elamaram argued that the circular addressed internal religious practices rather than societal restrictions. He maintained that Islamic celebrations serve a spiritual purpose and cautioned that mixing young men and women could shift the focus toward entertainment. He also rejected allegations that the directive was anti-woman.

The *Siraj* article further criticized CPI(M) leaders, questioning their motives and accusing them of selective concern for Muslim women. Mr. Saqafi also alleged that DYFI and SFI activists were using the controversy to divert attention from internal disputes within the Left Democratic Front regarding the Deputy Leader of the Opposition position. He contrasted CPI(M)’s positions on gender and family with traditional Islamic views, citing comments by former Minister R. Bindu on a transgender couple.

The exchange has highlighted a growing rift between Mr. Kanthapuram and the CPI(M), despite their historical political and social alignment. His associates have urged the CPI(M) not to interfere in religious matters. A resurfaced video of Mr. Kanthapuram emphasizes this point, with him stating that religious scholars should handle religious matters while politicians focus on politics.

The CPI(M) has framed the issue as one of women’s rights and public participation, broadening the debate beyond the Samastha circular to include religious autonomy, gender rights, and the interpretation of progressive politics. Meanwhile, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has maintained a public silence, with Local Administration Minister K.M. Shaji declining to comment. The Kerala Muslim Jamaat district committee has condemned criticism of Mr. Kanthapuram’s joint statement with Samastha president E. Sulaiman Musliyar, adding further complexity to the ongoing dispute.

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