Kozhikode: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has extended its support to opposition leader V D Satheesan as a potential chief ministerial candidate, following opinion polls that project a victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF). The party stated that the preference reflected in surveys mirrors the prevailing public sentiment.
Thangal's remarks on public opinion
Responding to questions about the trend observed in exit polls, IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal said that people appear to have expressed their opinion in favor of Satheesan. Addressing reporters in Malappuram on Thursday, he stated, "Yes, it might be like that. People would have expressed their opinion in that manner." When asked whether the UDF would consider this public sentiment while deciding on the chief minister's post, Thangal affirmed that the front has always taken such views into account. "It is for the Congress high command to take a call, and I believe they will do so in line with public sentiment," he added.
Anti-incumbency and IUML prospects
Thangal noted that most exit polls predict a UDF win and suggested that the outcome could reflect a strong anti-incumbency mood against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, an undercurrent evident in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 2025 local body polls. Expressing confidence in IUML's prospects, he said the party, which contested 27 seats, is likely to win between 20 and 22 seats.
No claim for deputy chief minister post
On speculation that IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty could be projected as deputy chief minister, Thangal clarified that the party has neither made such a claim nor held discussions on the matter. "We have not staked a claim. IUML will get what it deserves," he said. Responding to criticism by senior CPM leader A K Balan, who alleged that projecting Kunhalikutty as deputy CM was part of a Jamaat-e-Islami agenda, Thangal asserted that IUML functions independently and is guided by its long-standing commitment to secularism, democracy, and communal harmony.
