IUML Declines Deputy CM Claim, Vows Support for Congress Leadership in Kerala
In a significant political development, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty has announced that his party will not stake a claim for the deputy chief minister seat should the United Democratic Front (UDF) assume power in Kerala. Addressing the media in Malappuram, Kunhalikutty expressed unwavering confidence in UDF's electoral prospects, drawing parallels between the current assembly elections and the recent Parliamentary polls.
Confidence in UDF Mandate and Congress Leadership
Kunhalikutty asserted that the emerging trend clearly indicates a decisive mandate in favor of UDF, which he projected would secure over 100 seats in the state assembly. He emphasized that the selection of the chief minister is entirely up to the Congress party, with IUML prepared to extend full and unequivocal support to that choice once the decision is made. "IUML gave full support to the opposition leader's efforts to bring UDF back to power. In future, IUML will support the person whom Congress makes the chief minister," he stated firmly.
He stressed the importance of avoiding any disputes or delays in finalizing the chief minister, highlighting the need for a smooth transition. Kunhalikutty also recalled that IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal had previously clarified that the party would not trigger any internal crisis within UDF if the front emerged victorious in the elections.
Optimism on IUML Performance and UDF Unity
Expressing optimism about IUML's own electoral performance, Kunhalikutty said the party expects to win a significant majority of the 27 seats it has contested. He added that there are no constituencies, including Chelakkara and Punalur, that IUML considers unwinnable. "All sections, which had been the traditional support base of UDF, have returned to the front," he noted, suggesting a consolidation of voter support.
Kunhalikutty further commented on the Left Democratic Front (LDF), stating that the reactions of its leaders post-elections indicate a lack of confidence. "Going by the reactions of LDF leaders after elections, one can see that the front is not very confident," he observed, underscoring UDF's perceived advantage.
Ernakulam DCC President Backs V D Satheesan for Chief Minister
Meanwhile, in a related development, Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) president Mohammed Shiyas publicly stated that the next chief minister should come from Ernakulam if UDF assumes power. His comments are widely interpreted as a strong endorsement of opposition leader V D Satheesan for the state's top post.
Endorsement of Satheesan and Criticism of Pinarayi Vijayan
Responding to queries on whether Ernakulam would produce the next CM, Shiyas declared, "It is our collective desire to see someone from Ernakulam lead Kerala. Satheesan has proven his mettle by leading the opposition with immense strength and vision." He criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that his rhetoric is undignified and that his inability to maintain diplomatic decorum with leaders of other states has become an embarrassment for Kerala.
Shiyas attributed the record voter turnout to strong public confidence in UDF, claiming that LDF failed to learn from setbacks in local body elections, which led to a massive surge at polling booths during the assembly polls. He credited Satheesan's disciplined and organized campaign for UDF's robust position, particularly in Ernakulam.
Satheesan Predicts UDF Victory and Mocks LDF Strategy
Opposition leader V D Satheesan himself expressed confidence, predicting that UDF will return to power with over 100 seats and forecasting a 'clean sweep' in key districts such as Ernakulam, Malappuram, Wayanad, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta, which collectively account for 43 seats. He highlighted a strong organizational resurgence, asserting that UDF's election machinery is at its most potent since 1991. "Groups that drifted away in 2005 have returned to the fold," he remarked.
Satheesan also mocked LDF ministers who had threatened to trap him in his constituency, saying they are now too afraid to leave their own constituencies and campaign elsewhere. He dismissed LDF's talk of a 'woman CM' as a sign of desperation. "They campaigned saying Pinarayi 3.0. LDF shifting the narrative now shows it has conceded defeat," he concluded, reinforcing UDF's optimistic outlook for the election results.
