‘Not Fit for Progressive Society’: Kerala CM V D Satheesan Slams Cleric’s Remarks on Women

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday strongly criticised prominent Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar over his remarks advocating restrictions on women’s participation in public life, saying such a position is incompatible with a progressive society.

Speaking to reporters after the state Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said the Congress and his government had “absolutely no agreement” with the cleric’s position and maintained that women should not be confined to their homes.

“Such a stand does not fit a progressive society,” Satheesan said, stressing that women should be at the forefront of mainstream society and participate actively in all areas of life.

What did the Kerala cleric say?

The controversy erupted after Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, a prominent Sunni scholar and Grand Mufti of India, spoke at an Islamic conference in Kochi on Sunday.

The 95-year-old cleric reportedly argued that allowing women into the public sphere could lead to “great destruction” and defended the idea of purdah and women remaining within the home.

He also compared women to gold ornaments, arguing that, like gold that is kept safely in a box, women should be protected from exposure in public spaces. His remarks came shortly after a circular from the AP faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama sought to restrict women's participation on public platforms.

Satheesan cites Islamic history

Satheesan rejected the argument as a misinterpretation of Islam and cited examples from Islamic history to make his point.

He referred to Khadija, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, describing her as a successful businesswoman. He also cited Aisha, who played a leadership role and participated in the Battle of the Camel, as well as Queen Bilqis, whom he described as a ruler recorded in Islamic history.

The Chief Minister also referred to an incident involving a woman's objection to a decision concerning mahr during the period of the Caliphs, saying her argument was accepted by the ruler.

“These examples show that women had a place even in the royal court,” Satheesan said, arguing that the historical record did not support the idea of women being confined to their homes.

Political controversy intensifies

The remarks have triggered a political and social debate in Kerala, with several leaders criticising the cleric's position.

Kerala Labour Minister Bindu Krishna also criticised the statement, saying such views could push women “centuries back” and undermine efforts towards gender equality.

The issue has also exposed differing responses within the ruling coalition. While some leaders have criticised the cleric's comments, members of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have been more cautious. Two IUML ministers reportedly declined to comment, while party state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal appeared to suggest that the cleric may have been referring to women's safety.

The controversy comes at a time when women's participation in public and religious events remains a subject of debate among sections of Kerala's Muslim community.

For Satheesan, however, the government's position is clear: women's participation in mainstream social life is central to Kerala's progressive identity, and calls to confine women to their homes cannot be accepted.