The raging conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has triggered a game of political one-upmanship in Kerala. The two main coalition groups — the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) — have been quick to condemn the violence and organise pro-Palestine protests across the State, apparently in a bid to woo Muslim voters. These protesters have been focussing on the atrocities and alleged war crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
The CPI(M) has seized the opportunity to connect with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a Congress ally and a key constituent of the UDF, and by extension, the Muslim community, especially in north Kerala. Realising that a section of the IUML’s leaders and workers might be willing to find common ground with the Left, the CPI(M) invited the group for an event to show solidarity for Palestine, in Kozhikode on November 11. For the CPI(M), the invite marked a continuation of its attempt to be at the vanguard of a broad-based platform for minorities in Kerala.
Also read | Kerala CM denies using Palestine cause to woo allies the Opposition
