Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M K Muneer stated on Saturday that the party has not supported any Congress leader for the chief minister's post. He clarified that IUML state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal did not name anyone when discussing the issue.
Thangal's Statement Clarified
Addressing the media, Muneer said Thangal only pointed out that the decision on the chief ministerial candidate rests with the Congress high command. "He did not say anything about the chief minister candidate. He said the decision has to be made by their high command," Muneer explained. He added that the United Democratic Front (UDF) has full confidence that the final decision will be unanimous and accepted by all constituents.
Muneer noted that Congress has capable leadership and a decision could be taken without delay after the election results are announced on May 4. His remarks came amid interpretations that Thangal's reference to Congress leader V D Satheesan's role in leading the UDF during the assembly election amounted to an endorsement of his candidature. Muneer emphasized that IUML has not expressed any preference.
Allegations of Narrative Building
Muneer also alleged that a narrative was being deliberately constructed in the state to create apprehension about IUML's role in a potential UDF government. "There is a phobia being manufactured to suggest that the party should not be given any responsibility," he said. "They want IUML not to handle anything. They claim that if IUML gets the Home portfolio, riots will happen. They claim that if the Education portfolio is given to IUML, only Muslim schools will get permissions. The government will be a shadow of Jamaat-e-Islami."
Muneer said such narratives were aimed at creating fear among the public and deepening divisions. He further stated that even the party's silence is being misinterpreted. "If IUML remains silent, a conspiracy will be alleged behind it. This is an attempt to make IUML part of a larger hate politics. The attempt is to link IUML with the hate politics prevalent across the country," he said.
Rejection of Minority Consolidation Claims
Rejecting claims of minority consolidation, Muneer argued that the assembly election reflected a consolidation of secular votes. "The sentiments of secular voters have been hurt. They do not agree with those who spread communal venom, and the results will reflect that," he said.
