While the IUML has long faced criticism for not fielding women in strong or winnable constituencies, Thahiliya’s victory has challenged that perception and marked a clear shift in narrative
Ms. Thahiliya bagged 81,429 votes against Mr. Ramakrishnan, who got 76,342 votes, becoming the Indian Union Muslim League’s first woman MLA. Her margin of victory is 5,087 votes
The party secures a record 22 seats, strengthens the confidence of its allies, and emerges as the third largest party in the Assembly, after Congress and CPI(M). The party will have its first woman representative in the Assembly, Fatima Thahilia from Perambra
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is leading in 23 of the 27 seats it contested in the Assembly polls
Key UDF constituent Indian Union Muslim League is adopting a cautious wait-and-watch approach as Congress-led front awaits election results. Political analysts underline Muslim League’s centrality to coalition stability, making its stance crucial in the days ahead
‘This will lead to anarchy and more communal riots like Marad’, says SNDP Yogam general secretary
Indian Union Muslim League State president Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal says UDF will factor in ‘people’s sentiments’ while choosing its CM, noting that exit polls indicate V.D. Satheesan enjoys the highest support
Kunhalikutty says if the UDF is voted to power, the Chief Minister would be decided by the Congress keeping in mind the ‘people’s sentiments.’
IUML Malappuram district general secretary P. Abdul Hameed, MLA, warns such talks could ‘disappoint’ UDF supporters in Kerala
In the event of a UDF defeat or a hung Assembly, the IUML is likely to keep its options open. While it has been a steadfast ally of the Congress in Kerala for decades, its historical willingness to engage with the Left reflects a pragmatic approach to power-sharing and political survival
K.P. Mariyumma says the comments made by the former general secretary does not reflect the organisation’s stand