CPM divided over Israel-Hamas conflict? Republic confronts Mohammed Riyas over KK Shailaja's remark

Republic confronted Communist Party of India (Marxist) Minister and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's son-in-law Mohammed Riyas in connection with KK Shailaja's statement against the party's ideology on the Israel-Hamas war.

CPI (Marxist), which extended its support to Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, now seems to be divided internally. A massive row erupted after Kerala CPI(M) leader KK Shailaja condemned the attack by Hamas terrorists in Israel which is contrary to her party's stand. Her statement comes after the CPI(M) has publicly declared its support for Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

What did KK Shailaja say?

In her Facebook post, Shailaja, who is also a central committee member of CPI(M), emphasised the need for people of conscience to denounce the attacks by ‘Hamas terrorists’. 

She wrote in Malayalam which can be roughly translated as, “Wars are the consequences of power, madness and greed for money. Many innocent people are killed in every war. Children’s bodies are burnt during bombardment which disturbs our sleep. The attack carried out by the Hamas terrorists across the populated area of Israel will be condemned by all those with a conscience."

She further stated that the Palestinian people have been experiencing the same level of terrorism since 1948 and the reason behind is Israel and the imperialist forces that support them.

Republic confronts CPM Minister

Amid the row, Republic confronted CPI(M) leader Mohammad Riyas in connection with KK Shailaja's Facebook post, but he refused to answer. When asked about KK Shailaja calling Hamas as terrorist group, Riyas sat in his car, waved his hand and drove off from the site.

Earlier today, Republic spoke to CPM leader MB Rajesh who clarified the party's support towards Palestine. “We have always supported the Palestinian cause and expressed our solidarity with the people of Palestine. At the same time, our position is that the UN formula should be accepted and peace needs to be restored. The party's polit-bureau has already made CPI(M)'s stand amply clear. The conflict in Palestine is not new and this is not unilateral. Israel is equally responsible for this situation.”

While, Senior CPI(M) leader M Swaraj, who is a party state committee member, took to Facebook stating that the party stands with Palestine. "Doesn't expect support from those who haven't supported Palestine". "Israel is a bigger terror", KT Jaleel wrote in his Facebook post.