The tacit understanding between the Left and Muslim political groups has never been this open. The leaders of all the four mainstream Left parties will be part of the delegates’ meeting being organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), the “ideological face” of Indian Muslims, to officially launch a “National Alliance” against imperialism.

The function, to be held on August 26, would be the first step towards the launch of the National Alliance — a conglomeration of 15-odd Muslim organisations and some civil society movements. It is learnt that CPI(M)’s Muslim face Mohammed Salim, who is also a Central Committee member, CPI national secretary Atul Kumar Anjaan, RSP’s Abani Roy and Forward Bloc’s G Devarajan will be attending the function.

The organisers have also invited UNPA allies including the BSP. “Everyone who has opposed the nuclear deal will have a space in this National Alliance,” said S Q R Illyas of the Jamaat Islami-e-Hind.

While the Left, especially the CPI(M), may have been a silent presence in earlier meetings of the alliance, it was only through its support groups like the Delhi Science Forum. This is the first time that top-level Left leaders are going to be part of such a function.

“It is the relevance of the issue that has brought us together. We are against all brands of imperialist forces. The Indo-US nuclear deal is the worst manifestation of American imperialism,” said Devarajan.

The other partners in this conglomeration include Muslim bodies like the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat , Indian National League, Muslim Political Council of India, Markazi Jamaat Ulama-e-Hind, Idarao Fikro Amal and Solidarity Youth Movement. A few civil society organisations like the Movement for Peace and Justice, Third Freedom Struggle Movement, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh are also a part of the proposed movement.

... contd.