Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while emphasizing the contributions of Muslims to India’s history and independence movement, asked whether the Sangh Parivar would abandon slogans like ‘Bharat mata ki’ Jai’—’victory to mother ndia’—and ‘Jai Hind’ since they were coined by Muslims in India.
In the recent event, he highlighted the slogans, citing examples such as Azimullah Khan, who coined ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ and diplomat Abid Hasan, who first raised ‘Jai Hind.’
“Some Sangh Parivar leaders who came here have asked those who sat in front of them to chant the slogan ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Who coined the slogan? I don’t know whether the Sangh Parivar knows that his name is Azimullah Khan,” the chief minister said, according to news agency PTI.
He also highlighted the fact that the patriotic song ‘Saare jahan se accha Hindustan hamara’ was composed by Muhammad Alama Iqbal, a Muslim poet.
He said, “Sangh Parivar activists who yell that Muslims should be sent to Pakistan or should leave the country should realize this history.”
“The Muslim rulers, cultural activists, and officials have played a big role in illuminating the country’s history and culture. Muslims, along with other sections, have played a big role in securing the country’s independence,” he added further.
While focusing on the history and culture, he also highlighted the Persian translations of the Upanishads by Dara Shikoh, son of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, as a testament to cultural exchange.
CAA is Discriminatory
After criticizing the CAA implemented by the BJP-led Centre, he accused the center of attempting to marginalize Muslims by making citizenship illegal for Muslim refugees while claiming to assist refugees from neighboring countries.
While attending a rally by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Malappuram against the Citizenship Amendment Act, CM Vijayan said that the Sangh Parivar, which comprises Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are focused on denying citizenship to those with Muslim names as an attempt to eradicate the cultural history of India.
Accusing the Center of diplomatically supporting violence against anti-CAA protestors, he likened RSS ideology to Hitler’s fascism.
The Chief Minister also condemned the Congress party for its lack of sincerity in the anti-CAA protests. He questioned their absence during demonstrations to be present at their party events. Irrespective of ideological differences, Vijayan asked for unity against discriminatory policies.
