New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused Kerala’s ruling Congress of choosing “Sharia over the Constitution” in response to a youth’s announcement of opening an “Islam-friendly gym”.“BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Congress in Kerala was being “pressured” by its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).Bhandari said in a video on his“It has been clearly proved that because of Muslim appeasement, the Congress Party is now keeping the Constitution at bay, and believing in Shariat over the Constitution…because Due to Muslim appeasement, Congress Party is becoming a threat to the security of Hindus in Kerala.”IUML, with 22 MLAs, is the second largest constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the southern state. UDF has 102 seats in the 140-member Kerala Assembly.The controversy centers on a fitness facility in Puthunagaram in Palakkad district. It recently announced plans to transform itself into an “Islam-friendly gym” operating under “Sharia-based guidelines”.The announcement, which was later removed, was posted on the Instagram account “Nawaz Muthu T”. It said the fitness centre, which has been operating for the last 15 years, will introduce a new set of rules for its members.Under the proposed guidelines, music would be prohibited inside the facility, separate workout times would be set for men and women, and members would have to follow a dress code to ensure that their “awrah” – body parts that Islamic teachings dictate should be covered – remain hidden while exercising.The proposed changes also stipulate that men and women will not be allowed to work together, separate schedules will be arranged for each group.Female members will be required to wear attire, including hijab, that covers the body in accordance with stated religious guidelines.The announcement has sparked debate and mixed reactions from various quarters. Supporters have described the initiative as an effort to provide a fitness environment that accommodates religious preferences, while critics have questioned the implications and broader impact of operating gyms based on faith-specific guidelines.