Suprabhatam, the mouthpiece of the EK Sunni faction of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has come out in support of Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, despite differences between the two Sunni factions. The editorial criticised Opposition Leader V D Satheesan over his response to Kanthapuram’s controversial remarks on women’s participation in public platforms.
The editorial argued that Satheesan’s criticism was influenced by incomplete or one-sided interpretations of Islamic teachings. It maintained that Kanthapuram was entitled to express his views within his religious institution, while Satheesan was equally free to challenge them.
The intervention is notable because Kanthapuram heads the AP Sunni faction, which has longstanding differences with the EK Sunni faction led by Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal.
Suprabhatam also broadened its criticism to several political issues involving Satheesan. It pointed to his earlier opposition to the entry of young women into Sabarimala and questioned his current position on women’s rights. The editorial also raised his stances on the Munambam Waqf land controversy and the PM SHRI scheme.
It further highlighted Satheesan’s long political career, noting that despite serving as an MLA for nearly 25 years, he had not held a ministerial position, including during the decade when the UDF was in power.
The editorial also referred to criticism Satheesan has faced from the Left, including allegations portraying him as a falsehood-peddler, a Jamaat sympathiser and a Sanghi. His earlier prediction of the UDF securing more than 100 seats was also recalled.
Towards the end, the editorial drew a comparison between Satheesan and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, referring to their reading and literary interests while highlighting Chennithala’s novel Niyogam and his longstanding political ambitions.
