Kanthapuram eyeing third front, BJP, says Karassery

Parties are gauging its strength to sway the Muslim votes in the next month's civic polls and the Assembly elections a few months away.

Though their affinity for the LDF was well established in the past elections, there were times when they selectively backed UDF candidates.

While they claim that the new outfit is not into politics, they add that it would not shy away from taking its call on political and social issues.

Political observers feel the new wing, being launched when elections are here, is just another bargaining chip.

“Kanthapuram Sunnis are a consolidated vote bank. They will support any front that pays back. There is a possibility of them supporting BJP as a part of Vellapally Nateshan's third front,” social critic M.N. Karasserry said.

The group led by Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar has extensive business interests beyond Kerala. They include educational institutions in Gujarat.

After the E.K. faction of Sunnis, they enjoy more clout among Muslim voters than the Mujahid and Jamaat-e-Islami, which represents political Islam.

The E.K. Sunnis traditionally supports IUML. The Kanthapuram-LDF bonhomie was cemented by CPM leaders like T.K. Hamza and Paloli Mohammed Kutty.

“In that sense, Kanthapuram’s new outfit will affect LDF votes. But my speculation is that their ultimate aim is to reach Modi,” said Karassery.

Kerala Muslim Jamaat will be officially launched in Malappuram on October 10 with a strict exclusion of women.

CPM state committee member M.V. Jayarajan responded that it was too early to react to Kanthapuram’s move.

M.I Abdul Aziz, amir of the hardcore Jamaat-e-Islami, said they were closely watching the developments.