Jaleel: From a firebrand leader of SIMI to poster boy of CPM
The ruling CPM has stood solidly behind Jaleel even as Oppn is seeking his resignation
Even in the face of state wide protests by opposition parties seeking Kerala higher education minister K.T. Jaleel’s resignation, the ruling CPM has stood solidly behind him. The protests which turned violent in many parts of the state have not been able to force the government or the ruling party to change its position.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan have repeatedly defended Jaleel terming Opposition charges as
“totally baseless.”
‘Quit Jaleel’ demand had gained momentum after the Enforcement Directorate questioned him five days ago on the allegations of violating Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (accepting foreign aid without Centre’s permission) and accepting consignments of Holy Quran brought from UAE through diplomatic channels.
To understand Jaleel’s importance in Kerala politics, one has to trace his journey thus far. From a firebrand leader of SIMI to a poster boy of ruling CPM, the 53-year-old’s political journey has been remarkable in many ways.
After his sting with SIMI, Jaleel joined the Muslim League and went on to become the state president of Muslim Youth League in 2004. But he was thrown out of the League in 2005 for questioning leadership on misuse of Tsunami funds. The CPM which was waiting for a popular face in Malappuram district to take on the League, seized the opportunity and fielded Jaleel as LDF backed independent in 2006 Assembly polls. As they say the rest is history.
Riding on the popularity of his anti-corruption crusade, Jaleel trounced Muslim League general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty scripting one of the stunning victories in state’s electoral history.
The LDF too gained winning five of the 12 seats marking its strong presence in the Muslim heartland.
Jaleel who has a PhD on the topic related to 1921 Malabar rebellion and is known for his fiery speeches and clean image, has remained loyal to LDF since then. He won back to back elections in 2011 and 2016.
Though his induction as a minister in Pinarayi Cabinet in 2016 came as a surprise for many, the ruling LDF had its plans in place. He was given local bodies ministry, a portfolio usually reserved for top
CPM leaders, along with welfare of minorities, wakf and Hajj.
Later the local bodies portfolio was taken away from him and given to CPM’s A.C. Moideen. However, Jaleel was given the high-profile higher education portfolio.
While most part of Jaleel’s 14 years in parliamentary politics has remained free of controversies, the minister faced a series of charges in the last two years.
Responding to the allegations, the minister said in a recent Facebook post: “Only truth will prevail. Nothing, but the truth, Even if the whole world goes against you, nothing
else would prevail.” With the allegations still pend
ing probe by central agencies, the jury is still out.