New Delhi: 'The Kerala Story' is at the centre of a political storm since it reportedly peddles false claims that around 32,000 women from Kerala were brainstormed and later joined the Islamic State (IS) and headed to Afghanistan and Syria.
Starring Adah Sharma, the movie is set to be released in cinemas on May 5. Written and directed by Sudipto Sen, the film is portrayed as "unearthing" the events behind "approximately 32,000 women" allegedly going missing in the southern state. The film falsely claims they converted, got radicalised and were deployed in terror missions in India and the world, according to the ruling CPI(M) and opposition Congress in Kerala.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, the president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said 'The Kerala Story' deliberately maligns the image of the Muslim community as a whole. Madani also shared his views on Hindu-Muslim unity and how three years ago, RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat had tried to solve the issue but was later challenged by his own people.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
ETV Bharat: How do you see the latest controversy over the movie 'The Kerala Story'?
Madani: This is a deliberate attempt to create more polarisation and deepen the roots of Hindu-Muslim animosity. Do they have the exact numbers from the Home Ministry or the IB? This is a fabricated story for projecting an anti-Muslim narrative to defame the entire Muslim community.
ETB: How will Jamiat challenge this? Will you move court?
Madani: This has been going on in the country for quite some time. I don't want to name any political party or any specific leader but such issues are a threat to religious co-existence and communal harmony. We'll soon move Supreme Court on this. And we all believe that the court will take cognizance. When the Supreme Court will ask for exact facts to support their fake narrative that such a number from Kerala joined the 'Islamic State', then these people would have to present the official data and the truth will come out. Those who are creating this for nefarious purposes, they will be exposed.
ETB: Do you believe that the controversy is connected with the upcoming elections in Karnataka, Rajasthan, and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls?
Madani: Yes, of course. All this is being done for electoral gains. But I must tell you that creating polarisation and division will never benefit society rather it will further sow the seeds of hatred.
ETB: Some are saying that this is being promoted by BJP and its idealogue RSS as they haven't yet tasted success in Kerala, what's your view on it?
Madani: Yes, I agree. They haven't been able to taste success in Kerala and with these moves, polarisation will deepen and it could benefit them. But this is harmful to the overall peace and tranquility.
ETB: A few months back, a few Muslim intellectuals including former LG of Delhi Najeeb Jung and others met RSS supremo Dr Mohan Bhagwat. Has it worked out in the right direction yet?
Madani: No, I don't think that it has brought in any benefit yet. But I must highlight that such interactions should continue. These interactions and meetings can play an important role in bridging the gap.
ETB: Can we expect interactions between Jamiat and RSS in the coming days?
Madani: RSS chief Dr Bhagwat invited us for a meeting three years ago. It was a very good interaction and Dr Bhagwat assured us that he'll do something to create a peaceful environment. We all were happy with that. But as soon as Dr Bhagwat spoke in favour of us and Hindu-Muslim unity, some people within the RSS challenged his views and created obstacles. And that was the turning point of that meeting. Since then, we haven't met. It is very difficult for the RSS chief to talk about these issues and find acceptance within the RSS itself.
Read: 'Kerala Story' film a Sangh Parivar lie: MYL leader Firoz
Read: 'The Kerala Story': Here is why CM Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed the makers of this movie
