IUML Leader Acknowledges Similarities with Shiv Sena (UBT)
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Synopsis
Dr M.K. Muneer of IUML acknowledges a growing alignment with Shiv Sena (UBT) on key issues following Uddhav Thackeray's remarks on the Waqf Bill. He emphasizes shared concerns and the significance of their role within the INDIA bloc amidst political challenges.
Key Takeaways
- IUML's position increasingly aligns with Shiv Sena (UBT).
- The Waqf Amendment Bill has raised significant concerns.
- Thackeray accuses BJP of land grabs.
- Muneer welcomes political forces that share IUML's views.
- IUML remains a critical ally in UDF.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 4 (NationPress) In response to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s remarks regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament, veteran leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Dr M.K. Muneer, stated that the party's positions on various issues are increasingly aligning with those of the IUML.
Muneer, who is a senior legislator and the son of former Kerala Chief Minister C.H. Mohammed Koya, remarked that the enactment of the new Waqf bill has "opened a Pandora’s box."
Immediately following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha, Uddhav Thackeray accused the BJP of focusing on Waqf land while neglecting temple trusts, churches, and gurdwaras. He claimed that the BJP is attempting to allocate Waqf land to its associates.
In reply, Muneer recognized the similarity in viewpoints, stating, "Recently, Shiv Sena (UBT) has adopted positions, particularly concerning the Uniform Civil Code and other matters, that resonate with our own stance."
"Today’s politics is primarily issue-oriented. Despite belonging to different parties with unique ideologies, we welcome any political entity that aligns with the IUML’s perspective," Muneer expressed to IANS.
He also highlighted their collective membership in the INDIA bloc, emphasizing, "We are also part of the INDIA bloc," Muneer noted.
Uddhav Thackeray has accused the BJP of manipulating the Waqf Bill as a smokescreen for what he termed a "land grab" that favors industrialists. "It’s a tactic to appropriate Waqf land and transfer it to their corporate partners," he alleged.
In Kerala, the IUML stands as the second-largest ally within the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
Over time, it has strengthened its influence in the coalition, sometimes challenging the Congress leadership.
Recently, IUML leaders expressed their grievances to the Congress high command regarding ongoing factional disputes within the Kerala unit.
Meanwhile, the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala has made several attempts to court the IUML, but these overtures were firmly rejected by IUML leader Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal.
