IUML stakes claim to UDF leadership ahead of Kerala elections, sparks debate

The IUML has been a key ally of the Congress in Kerala and at the national level. (File photo: PTI)

With the Kerala Assembly elections over a year away, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), has ignited a debate over leadership within the coalition.

At a recent literary festival organized by the IUML’s youth wing, Youth League, the party’s state unit chief Panakkad Sadiq Ali Thangal hinted at the IUML’s readiness to lead the UDF if the alliance secures victory in the 2026 polls.

Asked about the possibility of an IUML chief minister if the UDF wins, Thangal responded, “It will happen if the Congress is willing.” He further pointed to senior party leader P.K. Kunhalikutty, who was present at the event, and remarked, “The chief minister is already here.” Thangal also expressed confidence about securing the deputy chief minister’s post, stating, “That will certainly happen,” and referred to Kunhalikutty as “Kerala state two,” a colloquial term for the deputy CM role in the state, report The Indian Express.

While Thangal confirmed that Kunhalikutty would lead the IUML’s campaign in the upcoming elections, signaling an intention on behalf of the party to play a more prominent role in the UDF, the Congress has maintained a studied silence on the matter amid its bid to dethrone the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) in 2026 after back-to-back defeats in 2016 and 2021.

The IUML’s push for leadership has raised concerns within the Congress with senior party leaders, including Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal seen as potential contenders for the chief minister’s post.

"Let us first try to win the elections. The issue of the CM emerges only after winning the elections. The first priority should be fighting the elections unitedly," The Indian Express quoted senior leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan as saying.

Congress insiders fear that the IUML’s move to stir a leadership debate could harm the UDF’s electoral prospects, reported IE.

The IUML has been a long-standing ally of the Congress in Kerala and at the national level, and has historically played a crucial role in the UDF’s success, particularly in North Kerala. The party last held the chief minister’s post in 1979 when CH Mohammed Koya led a short-lived government for three months.

In recent decades too, the IUML has wielded significant influence in UDF governments, handling key portfolios such as education, public works, and local self-government.

The IUML’s renewed push for leadership comes amid shifting political dynamics in Kerala. A section of Hindu and Christian voters is reportedly leaning toward the BJP, while the IUML has maintained a consistent electoral performance even as the Congress faced setbacks.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the IUML won 15 seats compared to the Congress’s 21.

Meanwhile, the ruling CPM has seized on the opportunity amid UDF’s internal fissures with party leader P Rajeeve mocking the Congress’ leadership struggles.

“Congress leaders face a threat for the LoP post in the Assembly. They need not worry about the CM’s post. They should worry whether the Opposition leader’s post will go to IUML,” he said.

The IUML’s ambitions have also reignited discussions about its relationship with the Left. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the CPM had attempted to woo the IUML, praising its “secular stand” and leaving the door open for collaboration. However, after the LDF’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls—winning just one seat compared to the UDF’s 18—the CPM reverted to criticizing the IUML, labeling it a right-wing Muslim outfit.