IUML Makes History with First Women Candidates in Kerala Assembly Election List
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, unveiled its initial roster of 25 candidates for the forthcoming assembly elections on Tuesday. This announcement from Kozhikode introduces significant changes, including the groundbreaking inclusion of two women candidates for the first time in the party's history, alongside a notable infusion of youthful energy and several unexpected omissions.
Historic Milestone: Women Enter the Fray
In a landmark decision, IUML has nominated two women to contest the assembly elections. Jayanthi Rajan, the party's national assistant secretary, will stand from Koothuparamba, while Fathima Thahiliya, a former Haritha leader and Kozhikode Corporation councillor, will represent Perambra. Notably, Rajan's candidacy in a general constituency underscores the party's progressive shift. This move marks a departure from IUML's traditional candidate selection patterns and signals an effort to broaden its appeal.
Strategic Shifts and Surprising Omissions
The candidate list reveals strategic recalibrations, with 10 newcomers making the cut, reflecting a push for fresh faces. However, six sitting MLAs, including former minister M K Muneer, have been dropped. Party leaders attributed Muneer's exclusion to health concerns. Nine incumbent MLAs will seek re-election, balancing experience with renewal.
Key figures in the lineup include IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, who, after shifting from Vengara, will contest his tenth assembly election from Malappuram. IUML state secretary K M Shaji is set to run from Vengara. The candidates for Punalur and Chelakkara remain pending, with a final decision on Punalur or Chadayamangalam yet to be made.
Comprehensive Selection Process
IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal emphasized that the candidate selection was meticulously conducted. It involved gathering inputs from each constituency and extensive deliberations, with Thangal personally overseeing the consultation process to ensure a balanced and representative list.
Detailed Candidate Roster
The announced candidates and their constituencies are as follows:
- AKM Ashraf (Manjeshwar)
- Kallatra Mayin Haji (Kasaragod)
- Kareem Cheleri (Azhikode)
- Jayanthi Rajan (Koothuparamba)
- Parakkal Abdulla (Kuttiady)
- Fathima Thahiliya (Perambra)
- Kassim Koodaranji (Thiruvambady)
- P K Firos (Koduvally)
- MA Razak (Kunnamangalam)
- Faizal Babu (Kozhikode South)
- T V Ibrahim (Vallikunnu)
- T P Ashraf Ali (Kondotty)
- Advocate Rahmathulla (Manjeri)
- P K Basheer (Ernad)
- P K Kunhalikutty (Malappuram)
- Manjalamkuzhi Ali (Mankada)
- Najeeb Kanthapuram (Perinthalmanna)
- K M Shaji (Vengara)
- Abid Hussain Thangal (Kottakkal)
- Kurukkoli Moideen (Tirur)
- P K Navas (Tanur)
- PMA Sameer (Tirurangadi)
- N Samsudheen (Mannarkkad)
- C H Rasheed (Guruvayur)
- V E Abdul Gaforr (Kalamassery)
Among these, P K Basheer is contesting for the fourth time, while N Samsudheen, Abid Hussain Thangal, and T V Ibrahim are running for their third terms. The list also highlights the exclusion of MK Muneer (Koduvally), N A Nellikkunnu (Kasaragod), advocate U A Latheef (Manjeri), P Ubaidulla (Malappuram), KPA Majeed (Tirurangadi), and P Abdul Hameed (Vallikkunnu).
This candidate announcement sets the stage for a dynamic election season in Kerala, with IUML aiming to blend tradition with innovation as it seeks to strengthen its position within the UDF coalition.
