Controversy stirred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent roadshow in Kerala’s Palakkad, as the BJP faced allegations of sidelining its only Muslim candidate, M Abdul Salam.
Despite prior announcements suggesting Salam’s participation, his name was conspicuously absent from the list of leaders for the event.
The BJP had announced that the candidates in the Palakkad, Ponnani and Malappuram Lok Sabha constituencies would join Modi in the roadshow.
Salam, NDA’s Malappuram candidate expressed his desire to join the roadshow but found himself excluded at the last minute.
“I had a desire to be a part of the roadshow, but my name was not in the list of leaders for the event,” said Salam.
While denying any discrimination based on his Muslim identity, Salam attributed his omission to not being listed on the Special Protection Group (SPG) roster.
“Who will not like to accompany the Prime Minister? I have no complaint. I knew I was not eligible. But my opportunities are coming,” he added.
The incident sparked criticism, with Communist Party of India (Marxist) senior leader A.K. Balan condemning the BJP’s actions as disrespectful towards Salam and the Muslim minority. Balan called Salam’s exclusion as a deliberate snub, suggesting it sends a wrong message about inclusivity.
“The BJP had announced earlier that the candidates of Ponnani, Malappuram and Palakkad would accompany the Prime Minister. But by denying Dr. Salam, the BJP has sent a wrong message. It can be interpreted that Dr. Salam was denied entry because he is a Muslim,” said Balan.
