Kerala: IUML Leader's Alleged Audio Clip Prohibiting Women From Participating In Roadshow Stirs Controversy

A voice recording, allegedly from a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), advising women activists to refrain from participating in public victory celebrations following the Lok Sabha election, has sparked a political controversy in Kerala.

The recording is purportedly from Shahul Hameed, the IUML’s general secretary for Kuthuparamba in Kannur district.

It is connected to the election victory of Congress candidate Shafi Parambil in the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, where he defeated CPI(M)’s KK Shailaja by 1,14,506 votes.

Both the IUML and Congress are part of the United Democratic Front (UDF).

In the recording, the person identified as Shahul Hameed says, “The Kuthuparamba Assembly constituency’s UDF committee has organised a grand welcome event for our MP Shafi Parambil on Friday, 7 June. We request our dear sisters to be present at the event. But the activists of the Vanitha League need not take part in the road show or demonstrations. Our religious restrictions do not allow us to indulge in celebratory fervour and excitement.”

The Vanitha League, the women’s wing of the IUML, has been actively celebrating the UDF’s victory. Its members were reportedly seen chanting slogans and cheering in the streets across Kerala after alliance's win in the Lok Sabha elections.

Muslim women were seen playing 'oppana' and dancing to 'Mappila' songs on the streets of Panoor, OnManorama reported.

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