Hadiya’s father joins BJP, says only saffron party can protect Hindu culture

KM Ashokan, the father of Hadiya, a 26-year-old Kerala woman who had converted to Islam and married a Muslim man against her parents’ wishes, has joined the BJP and pledged his support for the party’s ongoing stir against the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala temple.

He joined the party officiallyat the BJP at Sabarimala Protection meeting and BJP spokesperson B Gopalakrishnan gave Ashokan the party membership.

According to Ashokan, he had been a party worker for the past three years. “I was a Communist but decided to shift my allegiance after I realised the party was going in the wrong direction. Its stand on various issues made a bad impression on me,” he said.

“Even though I had joined BJP three years ago, I received the official membership only on Sunday. The membership was handed over to me by the state spokesperson of BJP at the Sabarimala Protection meeting,” Ashokan said.

Asokan stated that he is free to join any party that he chooses and right now, the best party in India is the BJP. "Maybe because I was in the Army, I feel the BJP is essential for India's future. BJP is the only party that protects the Hindu culture. Although Congress is also like that, they are not fully committed," he says.

“Like many Hindus of Kerala, I am also torn between my belief and law. I personally believe customs and traditions should not come under the preview of courts. Let religious scholars and other decide on such issues,” he said.

Hadiya, formerly Akhila Asokan, had converted to Islam and married a Muslim man, Shafin Jehan. Their marriage was annulled by the Kerala High Court after Asokan filed a habeas corpus petition. Shafin Jehan then moved the Supreme Court against the High Court order. In November 2017. After speaking to Hadiya, the Supreme Court canceled the Kerala High Court order and allowed her to finish her studies. The SC order also validated the marriage between Shafin and Hadiya.