IUML's P V Abdul Wahab Seeks Expungement Of Minister Kurian's Remarks
P V Abdul Wahab, the Floor Leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in the Rajya Sabha, has formally requested the expungement of comments made by Minister George Kurian during the recent budget session in the Parliament. In a letter dated 6th April 2025, addressed to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Wahab expressed deep concern over statements he described as “unwarranted and disrespectful,” asserting that they misrepresented the IUML’s history and symbol.
The controversy arose during discussions on the Waqf Amendment Act on 4th April 2025, when Kurian allegedly equated the IUML with the All-India Muslim League led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, drawing parallels between their party flags. Wahab refuted this comparison, clarifying that the IUML was established in March 1948 in Madras with a distinct symbol officially recognized by the Election Commission of India. He emphasized that such assertions are factually incorrect and appear to be deliberate attempts to create negative associations.
Further, Wahab highlighted that Kurian unjustifiably invoked the name of IUML’s esteemed leader, Sayyid Sadikali Shihab Thangal, alleging that Thangal fostered hostile relations between Christians and Muslims in Kerala. Wahab condemned these claims as baseless fabrications fueled by communal prejudice, noting that they aim to incite discord between communities that have historically coexisted peacefully in Kerala.
In his letter, Wahab stated that Kurian’s remarks represent a clear breach of constitutional obligations to uphold principles of impartiality and harmony. He urged the Rajya Sabha Chairman to take immediate cognizance of these objectionable remarks and demanded that they be expunged from the official records to uphold the integrity of the House and prevent the spread of misinformation and communal disharmony.
This development comes amid broader tensions surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. The IUML has challenged the Act in the Supreme Court, labeling it an “unconstitutional assault on the religious autonomy and personal rights of the Muslim community in India.” The party contends that the Act imposes arbitrary restrictions and enhances state control over Islamic religious endowments, deviating from the religious essence of waqf.
Additionally, various Muslim organizations, under the leadership of IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal, have resolved to launch strong protests against the central government’s Waqf Amendment Bill. A resolution from a meeting held on 7th March 2025 noted that the Bill is an attempt by the central government to exert control over the properties of all religions, particularly those of minority communities. The resolution called upon the INDIA bloc to oppose the Bill and urged the opposition to stand together to defeat it in the Rajya Sabha.
