Kerala Leader Sparks Controversy with Call for Separate ‘Malabar State’

Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) leader Musthafa Mundupara’s contentious remarks about potential demands for a separate Malabar state due to neglect have drawn criticism from BJP state chief K Surendran. He accused Samastha of introducing separatist agendas into protests linked to the shortage of Plus One seats in Malabar.

“These tendencies are dangerous, and the BJP will oppose any calls for the formation of a Malabar state,” Surendran stated firmly.

Mundupara’s comment, made during a protest organized by SKSSF, Samastha’s student wing in Kozhikode, implied that the unequal treatment of south Kerala and Malabar regarding Plus One seat shortages could justify demands for regional autonomy.

“If the people of Malabar pay taxes similar to those in south Kerala, they deserve an equitable share. When administrators fail to uphold justice, it undermines the nation. The Modi government at the Centre is guilty of the same,” Mundupara remarked.

Highlighting the educational disparities, SKSSF pointed out that high-scoring students in Malabar faced difficulties securing Plus One seats, while there were 129 undersubscribed batches in south Kerala.

Surendran referenced the warnings of Jan Sangh, BJP’s precursor, cautioning against the religiously motivated creation of Malappuram and its potential to fuel calls for state division. He criticized both ruling and opposition parties for appeasing the Muslim community, attributing such statements to their indulgence.

“LDF and UDF’s negligence is responsible for Malabar’s plight, despite IUML’s long tenure handling the education portfolio,” Surendran added, alleging that IUML might leverage separatist sentiments to stake a claim to the Chief Minister’s post.