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The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is trying to resurrect its Backward Class plank in its search for a methodology for the implementation of the Narendran Commission report. The second largest party in the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) appears to have cautiously shifted its stand on the implementation of the contentious report, converting the issue as a Backward Class problem rather than one confined to the Muslim community alone.
The contours of the party's perspectives became evident at an informal chat that the party State general secretary and Industries Minister, P.K. Kunhalikutty, had with mediapersons here today. He said the issue related to the implementation of the Narendran Commission report was connected to the denial of adequate representation for five to eight Backward Class communities, which had not got sufficient representation in government service. The IUML has always considered the reservation issue as an ideological and fundamental one. The party would not hesitate to take a firm stand and is not prepared for any sacrifice on an issue affecting the Backward Classes.
The Minister said that several other communities such as the Dheevaras, Vishwakarmas, Latin Catholics and converted Christians did not have sufficient representation and the Muslim community was the worst-affected.
Mr. Kunhalikutty said: "Our responsibility is twofold now that the IUML is in power. While in power, we are committed to ensuring that all backward sections get what is legitimately due to them." He said that his party's conciliatory stand should not be considered as a weakness and the legitimate demands could not be ignored. Asked whether the IUML was trying to recreate the Backward Class front it had promoted in the 1990s, he said his party would be in the forefront to get the legitimate demands conceded and being in power was no obstacle to floating such a formulation.
Asked for his reaction on the KPCC
decision to appoint a sub-committee to study the Commission's report, he
said his party had no complaint as the KPCC panel had been given a timeframe.
In any case, there is no scope for any discussion on whether the Commission
report should be implemented or not. Even the Opposition had favoured the
implementation of the report. Mr. Kunhalikutty was not willing to comment
on the stand of the Nair Service Society. He also admitted that his party's
tone had changed since the Lok Sabha election defeat and it was not willing
to wait any longer. He admitted that it would take time to implement the
recommendations as the issue would have to be discussed in detail.
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