Kozhikode (Kerala): ‘Multi-Exercise Combination 7’ (MEC 7), a physical exercise routine that claims to be a blend of various disciplines including yoga, has sparked political and social controversy in the state. The program is popular in north Kerala and has sparked controversy involving the CPM, the BJP, and several Islamic organizations, with accusations of links to banned groups such as the Popular Front of India (PFI) and Jamaat-e-Islami. There is.
Alleged links to prohibited groups
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The CPM and some Muslim organizations have expressed concern over the involvement of PFI and Jamaat-e-Islami in promoting the MEC 7 workout, accusing them of using it as a platform to promote their own agenda. . The BJP has joined the fray along with Leftists and Sunnis, calling the initiative “mysterious”.
BJP leader and former Union Minister V. Muraleedharan echoed these claims and suggested that there is sufficient evidence to believe that PFI, Jamaat Islami and National Development Front (NDF) are behind the initiative. He called on the country to remain vigilant, adding: “There is good reason to believe this group is involved.”
CPM and Sunni groups express concern.
The controversy was further fueled by CPM Kozhikode district secretary P. Mohanan who claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami was organizing gymnastics sessions in various areas with the support of PFI workers. Speaking at a public meeting in Taliparamba, Kannur last month, Mohanan claimed that the program was being run through a WhatsApp group controlled by PFI leaders and demanded a thorough investigation.
This claim was later supported by a Sunni group led by Kanthapuram AP Abu Bakkar Musaliyar, and Kozhikode district general secretary of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangam (SYS) Muhammadari Kinarul expressed serious concerns about the motive behind MEC 7. expressed. He questioned whether the exercise program was just a thing. A cover for promoting political and religious agendas. Another Sunni leader, Perodeh Abdulrahman Saqafi, suggested that the plan could be an attempt by Jamaat-e-Islami to undermine Sunni ideals.
Despite the allegations, MEC 7 organizers strongly rejected these allegations. Baba Alakar, the program’s ambassador, said its members come from a variety of religious and political backgrounds, making it clear that the initiative is inclusive. “MEC 7 provides a platform to everyone irrespective of caste, religion or political beliefs,” Arakkal said in a television interview.
He explained that the program consists of 21 exercises derived from seven disciplines, including yoga, aerobics, physical therapy, deep breathing, acupuncture, meditation and massage. These exercises are designed for people with busy schedules and can be completed in just 21 minutes. Arakkal invited critics to participate in the session, which will be conducted without registration, promotion, or rules.
Charge of coercion dismissed
Some critics claim that WhatsApp groups are being used to recruit women for sessions and claim that women are being “dragged” from their homes. However, Brasilia Shamsudeen, leader of the Vanita League (women’s wing of the Indian Union Muslim League) and coordinator of MEC 7, dismissed these accusations. She said there was no hidden motive behind the program. “People, including women, from all religious and political backgrounds are participating with the sole purpose of improving their health,” Shamsudeen explained.
