Jamaat-e-Islami issue sharpens political battle between UDF, LDF and BJP in Kerala
Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Tuesday rejected allegations by the CPI(M) and the BJP that the party had an electoral understanding with the Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala , asserting that the Congress does not need lessons on nationalism or secularism.
Speaking in an interview with PTI ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Pilot, who is the senior AICC observer for the state , said the Congress has always upheld the Constitution of India and remained firmly committed to secular values . The controversy arose after both the CPI(M)-led LDF (Left Democratic Front(LDF)) and the BJP accused the Congress of aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami, an organisation they claim does not follow secular principles. The accusations intensified after a recent statement by Jamaat leaders reaffirming their commitment to the idea of an Islamic republic .
Responding to the charges, Pilot cited the party’s historical role in protecting national unity. Referring to the 1971 war, he said, “It was Indira Gandhi who broke Pakistan into two , so on nationalism and patriotism we do not need to be lectured by anyone.” He maintained that the Congress treats all religions and communities equally and seeks votes in the name of development and governance rather than identity politics.
Pilot also attacked the BJP, alleging that it excludes certain communities while distributing tickets in some states, calling such practices inconsistent with secularism. He said the Congress had remained ideologically consistent throughout its long history and would not compromise on its core values. “The UDF is a strong alliance in Kerala , and we will bring together like-minded parties that believe in democratic and constitutional principles,” he said.
On the Supreme Court’s move to constitute a nine-member Constitution Bench to review the Sabarimala women’s entry verdict, Pilot refrained from commenting directly on the court’s decision. However, he criticised the Kerala government’s handling of the alleged gold theft case linked to the Sabarimala shrine , saying the matter had not been pursued transparently.
“There are allegations that people close to the ruling party were involved. Anyone found guilty must be held accountable, regardless of how powerful they are,” he said, referring to the questioning of UDF convener Adoor Prakash by the SIT under the High Court.
Pilot further alleged that the CPI(M)-led government had failed to adequately support the investigation despite being in power for nearly a decade. He also pointed to alleged corruption in Kannur district , claiming funds meant for a martyr’s family were siphoned off and that a ruling party MLA had been named in the case. These incidents, he said, reflected wider problems of corruption, nepotism and administrative mismanagement .
Responding to former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remarks predicting the return of the LDF government under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Pilot said Aiyar was no longer part of the Congress and his views were personal.
On candidate selection, Pilot said the Congress would prioritise winnability, clean image and broad acceptability , while continuing to promote younger leaders. He added that the screening committee headed by Madhusudan Mistry was finalising names based on constituency-level feedback.
Citing electoral trends, Pilot claimed the LDF was heading towards defeat , pointing to the UDF’s victory in 18 of Kerala’s 20 Lok Sabha seats and its success in 54 per cent of local bodies.
Highlighting Kerala’s economic condition, he warned that the state’s fiscal situation was extremely alarming , alleging that nearly 98 per cent of borrowings were being used to service existing debt , leading to delayed payments, weak investment inflows and low capital expenditure.
With elections due in the coming months, the Jamaat-e-Islami controversy, corruption allegations and concerns over governance have sharpened political confrontation between the Congress-led UDF, CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP in Kerala.