Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday issued a strong call to collectively resist communalism and the ideology of a theocratic state, stressing the need to strengthen secular platforms. He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Centenary International Grand Conference of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama held at Kuniya in Kasaragod district.

Referring to growing attempts to impose the concept of “one nation, one culture, one language,” Vijayan said such efforts could be defeated only through united secular resistance. He recalled that the Samastha conference had adopted a resolution opposing the theocratic ideology propagated by Jama’at-e-Islami and reiterated that communalism cannot be countered with another form of communal politics.

The Chief Minister elaborated on the idea of Renaissance, drawing a distinction between European and Islamic traditions. He said the European Renaissance faltered because it challenged the very validity of religion, whereas the Islamic Renaissance was rooted in intellectual progress, with Prophet Muhammad himself emerging as a leader of reform and enlightenment.

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Highlighting Kerala’s historical legacy, Vijayan said Muslim scholars in the state played a pioneering role in resisting colonial rule by uniting Hindus and Muslims. He cited figures such as Mamburam Thangal, who mobilised people across communities against British rule and even issued a fatwa against cooperating with colonial authorities, long before the national freedom movement gained momentum.

Vijayan also praised Samastha for its long-standing efforts to uplift society from caste discrimination and untouchability. He said the organisation has consistently worked for social reform, education, and harmony, contributing significantly to Kerala’s inclusive social fabric.

During the event, Samastha president Sayyid Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal appealed for unity among Sunni organisations, urging splinter groups to return to the parent body. The conclave was attended by prominent leaders, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty, and scholars from India and abroad, while the Samastha Centenary Award was presented to entrepreneur M A Yusuffali.

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