Hyderabad: The IUML criticised the recent beef festival organised by the SFI against the upcoming film Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond. The party termed the protest a provocative act and a cheap political move. The issue has triggered political reactions in Kerala.
IUML state general secretary P M A Salam alleged that the beef fest was a cheap political gimmick aimed at wooing Muslim voters. While replying to media queries, he questioned the logic behind linking beef with any community. “What is the connection between beef and any community? What is the link between beef and Muslims,” Salam asked. He added that some of the biggest beef exporters and owners of beef processing units in India include people associated with the BJP, RSS and Muslims.
Salam made it clear that there is no connection between beef and Muslims. Therefore, he said the protest was an attempt by the CPI M to mislead and cheat ordinary Muslim voters. He also asserted that no one was forcing those who do not consume beef to do so. However, he criticised the movie as well. He alleged that such films create divisions among communities and turn them against each other.
Describing the event as provocative, Salam said it was part of a political strategy. He claimed it was meant to project support for Muslims while allegedly denying them benefits and indirectly aiding the BJP. “Why should protests like the beef festival is being organised? It is, of course, provocative. It is nothing but a cheap political gimmick,” Salam added.
The IUML’s remarks came two days after the Muslim Students Federation called for boycotting Kerala Story 2 but questioned the beef fest organised by the SFI. C K Najaf, state general secretary of MSF, opposed the protest held in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. He said it might hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. The district committee of the SFI had organised the fest at the Manaveeyam Veedhi.
The controversy gained attention as the film’s trailer shows a scene where a character is force fed beef. In response, the SFI organised the protest. Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, Kerala Story 2 Goes Beyond is scheduled for release on February 27. Its first part, The Kerala Story, won awards for Best Direction and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards.
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