Malappuram: The Sunni Mahal Federation (SMF) has publicly expressed its desire for the Indian Union Muslim League’s All India General Secretary PK Kunjalikutty to become the next Chief Minister of Keralam. The remarks were made during the SMF Golden Jubilee announcement ceremony held at Darul Huda, Chemmad, in Malappuram, where Kunhalikutty was present on the stage.
SMF leader Aslam Mashhoor Thangal, speaking at the event, declared that Kunjalikutty would become the Chief Minister once the counting of votes is completed on May 4. Senior Muslim League leaders, including party president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, were also present on the stage. Notably, Kunjalikutty and other leaders responded to the statement with smiles after hearing the speech. The announcement gains significance as it comes from the platform of the SMF at a time when political discussions are actively underway regarding the role Kunjalikutty should assume if the United Democratic Front (UDF) returns to power.
Congress high command reins in CM campaigns
Meanwhile, the Congress high command has intervened to halt campaigns by senior leaders projecting themselves for the Chief Minister’s post. It is learnt that Deepa Dasmunsi, AICC General Secretary in charge of Keralam, has held discussions with leaders including Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala on the issue.
Following this, boards proclaiming “Congratulations to the designated Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan” surfaced in districts including Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kannur. In another development, the Thiruvananthapuram DCC General Secretary published a pictorial feature in an English daily highlighting the work of Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala. These developments reportedly irked the high command. Although leaders have stated that such actions are occurring without their knowledge, none have explicitly denied them.
Decision after results, seat expectations moderated
If the UDF secures a majority when votes are counted on the fourth day, high command representatives are expected to arrive in Keralam the very next day to initiate discussions on the Chief Minister’s post. The central leadership’s position is that the decision should be made without allowing public debate on the matter. Earlier, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Working President PC Vishnunath had stated that the Chief Minister would be announced within 48 hours if the UDF comes to power, after the Congress-led alliance finalises its decision and informs its partners.
After detailed internal assessments, the Congress is now expecting to return to power with around 85 seats out of total 140 assembly seats. While several leaders had earlier projected a tally of more than 100 seats, particularly Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan’s claim of 110 seats, senior leaders have since assessed that such expectations were excessive.
