Malappuram (Kerala): Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Tuesday issued a clarification over his controversial “Pakistan” remark, asserting that his statement had been deliberately misinterpreted by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
The minister maintained that his analogy was purely political, intended to describe the intensity of the electoral contest in Tirur as akin to an India vs Pakistan match, and not to demean any place or sentiment.
Abdurahiman accused the League of twisting his words for political mileage, alleging that the criticism stemmed from “fear of defeat” in the ongoing electoral battle.
He also addressed criticism over campaign visuals prominently featuring his image, saying the Left functions under a system of collective leadership.
“As someone who leads that collective, my image may naturally appear. That should not be a cause for concern,” he remarked.
The controversy stems from a speech made during a campaign event in Tanur, where the minister drew a cricketing parallel to the political fight.
“We played two matches in Tanur, which was in Pakistan, and we defeated them both times. Now the third match is on home ground,” Abdurahiman said, referring to past electoral victories and the current contest.
The event, which also featured singer Hanan Shah, quickly drew sharp reactions from the opposition.
The IUML was quick to condemn the remarks, accusing the minister of insulting Tanur and trivialising sensitive national sentiments. United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Kurukkoli Moideen lashed out at Abdurahiman, drawing parallels with earlier controversies where political statements were seen as invoking Pakistan to target opponents.
He indicated that the party leadership would consider further legal or political steps in response.
With campaigning intensifying, the episode has added another layer of rhetoric to an already heated contest in the region, underscoring how political messaging continues to walk a fine line between metaphor and controversy.
Kerala goes to the polls on Thursday to elect 140 new legislators.
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