The state conference of Welfare Party of India Kerala unit concluded in Malappuram on Thursday with a massive rally and public conference. Over one lakh people joined the rally in which the party workers sloganeered against Hindutva forces in the country.
“The party’s policy is to oppose fascism,” S.Q.R Ilyas, chief of Welfare Party of India said.
“Yesterday, there was my daughter’s marriage. And you may be knowing that my son Umar Khalid who is in jail since last two years without any fault got interim bail and he is in my house. And tomorrow he is again going to jail,” Ilyas said.
“He (Umar Khalid) is not only one person. There are many youngsters are in jails now because they stood against the policies of this government. They were imprisoned because they questioned discriminatory CAA,” said Ilyas.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi founder Thol. Thirumavalavan MP who addressed thousands of WPI cadres urged the people to unite in the fight against Hindutva fascism. He talked the importance of a political front of Muslim, Dalit, Adivasi and OBC communities.
Another important figure who joined the huge gathering is Raihanath Kappan, wife of jailed Muslim journalist Siddique Kappan. “I am Raihanath Kappan, wife of journalist Siddique Kappan and I am proud of being the partner of a honest and brave journalist,” said Raihanath who expressed her thanks to the all people who supported her fight for justice. Siddique Kappan was granted bail in cases against him after spending two years in UP jail.
Hajara Variyamjunnath, granddaughter of legend Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji, the brave freedom fighter who stood up to the British in Kerala’s Malabar region in early 20th century and even established a short-lived regime of his own, also addressed the gathering.
Welfare Party of India national general secretary Subramani Arumugam, outgoing state president Hameed Vaniyambalam, newly elected state president Razak Paleri and other party leaders also spoke at the event.
