Archive · 2 Nov 2025
IUML Leader's Remark On Kerala CM Sparks Outrage
A leader from a Muslim political party in Kerala, named PMA Salam, said something controversial about the state's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.
Salam compared the Chief Minister to the leaders of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal regarding a government scheme.
He said that the leaders of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal showed courage, but the Kerala Chief Minister did not, and suggested that he 'doesn’t belong to either gender.'
This comment caused a lot of anger.
The state's Education Minister called the remark very bad and insulting.
Leaders from Salam's own party said that such personal insults are not okay.
One senior leader from Salam's party suggested it might have been a mistake in speaking.
The party's top leaders made it clear that Salam's comments do not represent the party's official view.
IUML leader PMA Salam made a controversial remark about Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, suggesting he "doesn’t belong to either gender."
Salam made the remark while criticizing CM Vijayan for signing the PM SHRI scheme, comparing him unfavorably to CMs of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty condemned Salam's statement as 'despicable' and an 'insult to cultural Kerala.'
IUML leadership, including party president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, distanced the party from Salam's comments, stating that political criticism should not be personal.
IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty suggested Salam's remark might have been a 'slip of the tongue'.
- Who
- PMA Salam (IUML State General Secretary), Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty, IUML President Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, and IUML National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty.
- What
- PMA Salam made a remark suggesting Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan 'doesn’t belong to either gender' while comparing him to Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on their stance regarding the PM SHRI scheme. The remark drew widespread condemnation, with the IUML leadership later distancing the party from the statement.
- When
- The remarks were made on Saturday, November 02, 2025. The condemnation and party's response followed shortly after.
- Where
- The remarks were made at a women’s public meeting of the party in Vazhakkad, Malappuram. The condemnation from the Education Minister was reported from Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- Salam's remarks were made in the context of criticizing CM Vijayan for signing the central government’s PM SHRI scheme, while Stalin and Banerjee had reportedly refused to do so. Salam alleged that CM Vijayan's decision showed a lack of courage, framing it in gendered terms.
Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty & IUML Leadership
IUML Leader P.M.A. Salam & Defense
Nature of Remarks
Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty & IUML Leadership
The remark made by PMA Salam was 'despicable,' 'inhumane,' 'anti-democratic,' and an 'insult to the cultural values of Kerala.' Personal attacks are not part of political criticism.
IUML Leader P.M.A. Salam & Defense
PMA Salam made a comparative remark about CM Vijayan's courage in signing the PM SHRI scheme, framed in gendered language. A defense was offered that it may have been a 'slip of the tongue.'
Focus of Criticism
Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty & IUML Leadership
Political criticism should remain focused on policies and actions, not devolve into personal insults or demeaning language.
IUML Leader P.M.A. Salam & Defense
Salam's criticism was directed at CM Vijayan's decision to sign the PM SHRI scheme, which he believed lacked courage compared to other states. The remark was a specific part of this criticism.
Party Stance
Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty & IUML Leadership
The IUML leadership has clarified that personal insults are not party policy and has distanced the party from Salam's specific comments.
IUML Leader P.M.A. Salam & Defense
While the remarks were made by a party leader, the party has also indicated that the 'real issue' is the state government's support for an education policy perceived by some as promoting Hindutva ideology, as stated by PK Kunhalikutty.
- Event
- IUML leader P M A Salam made controversial remarks comparing Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to other state CMs.
- Speaker
- PMA Salam, IUML State General Secretary
- Target
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- Context of Remarks
- Speaking at a women’s public meeting of the party in Vazhakkad, Malappuram, comparing CM Vijayan to TN CM MK Stalin and WB CM Mamata Banerjee regarding the PM SHRI scheme.
- Condemnation
- Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty called the remark 'extremely despicable and insulting to cultural Kerala'.
- IUML Stance
- IUML leadership distanced itself, with party president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal stating political criticism should not be personal and national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty suggesting a 'slip of the tongue'.
