IUML hails selection of Satheesan as CM, eyes key role in Kerala Cabinet

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF) with 22 MLAs, has welcomed the selection of V.D. Satheesan as Kerala’s new Chief Minister.

IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal and national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty congratulated Mr. Satheesan on his elevation, saying that the Congress high command had arrived at the decision through a democratic process.

Mr. Kunhalikutty said the party would finalise its Cabinet nominees only after the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to be held later in the day.

“We will convene our meetings and select ministerial nominees in accordance with the established procedure,” he said, adding that it would be consequent to the CLP meeting and its decisions.

Speculation remains strong over Mr. Kunhalikutty’s inclusion in the Cabinet, with his name being widely discussed for the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

While the IUML leadership has maintained that it will not demand the position, Muslim Youth League State president Syed Munawwarali Shihab Thangal recently remarked that the party was qualified for the post, pointing out that former IUML stalwarts such as C.H. Mohammed Koya and Avukkadar Kutty Naha had previously held the office.

Probables

Within IUML circles, there is also a perception that the Congress may voluntarily offer the Deputy Chief Minister’s post to Mr. Kunhalikutty, considering his seniority, administrative experience and political stature within the UDF.

Several other names are also being discussed for ministerial berths, including N. Shamsudheen, K.M. Shaji, A.K.M. Ashraf, and P.K. Basheer. While Mr. Kunhalikutty, Mr. Shaji, and Mr. Basheer have been elected from Malappuram district, Mr. Shamsudheen represents Palakkad district and Mr. Ashraf hails from Kasaragod district.

Muneer’s demand

Senior IUML leader M.K. Muneer has, meanwhile, called for representation from Kozhikode district in the Cabinet, arguing that one among the six MLAs elected from the district should be accommodated.

The newly elected IUML legislators from Kozhikode district are Parakkal Abdulla, Fatima Thahiliya, Kasim Koodarinji, P.K. Firos, M.A. Razak, and Faisal Babu. A ministerial berth for Mr. Firos or Mr. Babu is being viewed as a possible recognition of the party’s youth wing.

There is also speculation within sections of the party that Mr. Thangal could spring a surprise by nominating Ms. Thahiliya, the first woman to represent the IUML in the Kerala Assembly, to the Cabinet.

Such a move, party observers say, would echo his earlier unexpected decision to appoint A.P. Smiji, daughter of former Malappuram district panchayat president A.P. Unnikrishnan, as vice president of the Malappuram district panchayat.