Samastha Circular on Women's Stage Presence Draws CPI(M) Ire
Samastha's circular barring women from sharing stages with unrelated men at religious events draws sharp criticism from CPI(M) and women's groups.
A fresh directive from the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulema has stirred political controversy in Kerala. The religious body has issued a circular instructing mahals and madrasas to ensure that women do not share a stage or public platform with unrelated men during religious celebrations.
The move has drawn immediate criticism from CPI(M) leaders, who view it as a regressive step that undermines gender equality. Women's organisations have also condemned the circular, arguing that it reinforces patriarchal norms and restricts women's participation in public life.
The directive has put the already delicate ties between Samastha and the CPI(M) under renewed strain. The Left front has historically maintained a working relationship with the influential Muslim clerical body, but this latest instruction threatens to widen the gap between the two.
Critics point out that the circular effectively endorses gender segregation in public spaces, a practice that runs counter to constitutional guarantees of equality. The controversy is expected to intensify as political parties and civil society groups respond to the directive in the coming days.