BJP is angry at Rahul for giving secular credentials to IUML, Cong tells BJP what is IUML

New Delhi: The reference to the Congress party's alliance with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the acknowledgement of its secular credentials by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have prompted the BJP to call out the Congress and IUML, alleging that the Congress is partnering with a party that caused the country's partition.

When asked about the Congress party’s alliance with the IUML in Kerala in an interaction with journalists at the National Press Club in Washington, Rahul Gandhi defended the alliance, describing the IUML as a "completely secular party" and refuting any claims of non-secularism.

Despite having the credentials of a registered political party in the country, which severed its links with the Muslim League led by Muhammed Ali Jinnah after he advocated for a separate nation for Muslims and the subsequent formation of Pakistan, critics view the allegations against the IUML as the BJP's general aversion towards the Muslim community.

Apart from this, there have been innumerable situations in post-independent India where the IUML can be ascribed to doing its tremendous work and taking a firm stand for protecting the secular fabric of the country by advocating nonviolence during communally charged situations, including the destruction of the Babri Masjid.

However, Rahul’s statement drew swift criticism from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters. Union Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju expressed his disbelief, labelling the remark as "extremely unfortunate."

Rijiju pointed out that Jinnah's Muslim League, which played a crucial role in India's partition on religious lines, should not be considered a secular party. He criticized those who support the Muslim League, asserting that it is unacceptable to deem them as secular.

Joining the fray, Amit Malaviya, BJP spokesperson and IT cell head attributed Gandhi's comments to his need to maintain popularity in Wayanad, the constituency from which he is elected. Malaviya alleged that Rahul’s compulsion to remain acceptable in Wayanad led him to label the Muslim League as a "secular party."

In response, Congress leaders emphasized that Jinnah's Muslim League and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) are distinct political entities. Congress spokesperson Khera quoted Malaviya's tweet and challenged his knowledge, stating, "Are you illiterate? Do you know the difference between Kerala Muslim League and Jinnah Muslim League? Jinnah's Muslim League is what your forefathers allied with. The other was the Muslim League with which the BJP had an alliance."

The exchange of verbal blows continued on social media, with Supriya Shrinate, chairperson of Congress's social media and digital platforms, calling Malaviya a "fake news peddler." Shrinate dismissed his criticism and warned him to prepare for more sleep-deprived days as he tracks Rahul Gandhi's US trip, suggesting that he has a sad life.

The clash between the Congress and BJP over Rahul Gandhi's remarks has only served to intensify the ongoing political tension between the two major parties. As the war of words rages on, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact public opinion and the political landscape in the coming days.