In a significant development, the Jamaat-e-Islami has decided to support the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front in 124 constituencies in the state in the Assembly elections.
In a press release issued here on Sunday, Jamaat Kerala Amir T. Arifali said the organisation will extend support to the UDF in 15 constituencies.
In Ernad constituency, the organisation will take a neutral stand, he said.
Significantly, the Jamaat does not offer support to Indian Union Muslim League state general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty or state secretary M.K. Muneer.
The constituencies in which the organisation has extended support to the UDF include Kasargod, Manjeri, Kondotty, Malappuram, Wandoor, Kunnamangalam, Iringalakkuda, Thrippunithara, Poonjar, Vaikkom, Adoor, iravipuram, Varkala, Kazhakkoottam, and Aruvikkara.
Mr Ali said the decision was taken after evaluating the performance of the LDF government. The Jamaat felt that the LDF rule had been comparatively less corrupt and efficient in reviving public sector units in the state, he said.
A huge controversy had erupted last week over the ‘secret’ meeting between CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Jamaat leaders.
The CPI(M), which had castigated the Jamaat as the fount of Islamic extremism last year, did a volte face in the last few days though Mr Vijayan had asserted that there was nothing political in his meeting with Jamaat leaders.
CPI(M) central committee member Paloli Muhammedkutty even said that his party never branded the Jamaat as extremist and in fact shared its anti-colonial sentiments.
The Jamaat is planning to launch its own political party next month and is expecting support from the CPI(M) as quid pro quo for help during election time.