The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has clarified its position regarding seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections, stating it will not make undue demands despite an increased vote share. The party's national general secretary, PK Kunhalikutty, also addressed the recent evictions in Karnataka, dismissing comparisons to Uttar Pradesh's 'bulldozer raj'.
IUML's Decent Political Approach on Seat Sharing
PK Kunhalikutty, the IUML national general secretary, firmly stated that the party does not intend to leverage its recent performance in local body elections to demand more seats in the assembly polls. He emphasized that cashing in on every opportunity is not the party's tradition.
"We are not a party that tries to cash in on every opportunity. A decent political approach has always been IUML's tradition," Kunhalikutty said. He expressed confidence that the party would get what it deserves without resorting to pressure tactics, noting that there have been no talks with the Congress on exchanging assembly seats yet.
Echoing this sentiment, IUML state president Sadikali Shihab Thangal clarified that there have been no internal discussions within the United Democratic Front (UDF) regarding seat swaps. Thangal highlighted the importance of expanding the UDF by attracting dissatisfied sections from the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
Karnataka Evictions: A Matter of Rehabilitation, Not Bulldozer Raj
PK Kunhalikutty strongly dismissed allegations from the CPI(M) that the Congress government in Karnataka was imposing a 'bulldozer raj' similar to Uttar Pradesh, specifically referencing the Yelahanka evictions. He argued the situations are not comparable.
"It is not comparable to what happened in UP where people are driven into the streets. In Karnataka, it is not the Muslim minority who are affected due to this acquisition," Kunhalikutty stated. He explained that the Karnataka government had provided assurances of rehabilitation on humanitarian grounds and had issued repeated eviction notices beforehand.
He criticized attempts to exploit the issue for political gain, calling such moves "cheap." Kunhalikutty confirmed that the IUML had taken up the matter with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior officials, who promised steps to address all concerns.
Humanitarian Concerns Take Priority
State president Sadikali Shihab Thangal expressed a clear stance on the evictions, stating they should not have happened. He stressed that even if the land belonged to the government, the plight of the residents should have been a primary consideration.
Thangal added that CM Siddaramaiah has personally promised the rehabilitation of the evicted people. This underscores the party's focus on ensuring a humanitarian resolution to the issue, distinguishing it from more aggressive policies seen elsewhere.
The IUML's statements reflect a dual focus on maintaining principled coalition politics within the UDF while advocating for compassionate governance, even when dealing with allied state governments.
