Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman, while clarifying his controversial remarks, has said that his statement has been deliberately misrepresented. On Tuesday (April 7, 2026), he accused the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of misrepresenting his statement.
V. Abdurahiman said that his statement was purely in political context and was made only to compare the intensity of the election contest in Tirur with the India-Pakistan match, and not to hurt any place or sentiment. Abdurahiman alleges that IUML is trying to take political advantage by distorting his statement. He said that this criticism is being made because of the fear of defeat in the current election contest.
On questions raised about his picture appearing prominently in its posters and visuals during the election campaign, Abdurahiman said that the leftist party works on the principle of collective leadership. He said, ‘I am part of that collective leadership, so it is natural for my face to be visible. There is nothing to worry about.
The controversy started with his statement during an election rally in Tanur, where he had given the example of cricket and said, ‘We played two matches in Tanur, which was in Pakistan, and won both times. Now the third match is at home.
Singer Hanan Shah was also present in this program, after which the opposition reacted sharply to this statement. IUML condemned the comment, calling it an insult to Tanur and an attempt to dilute sensitive national sentiments. Meanwhile, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Kurukkoli Moideen also attacked Abdurahiman and said that such statements have become a cause of controversy in the past also.
He indicated that the party may take further legal or political steps in this matter. This controversy has become more heated in the intensifying atmosphere of election campaign, due to which a new dimension of rhetoric has been added to the already tough electoral contest in the region.
(With inputs from IANS)
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