Thiruvananthapuram: The Muslim League has intensified its efforts to consolidate influence within the prospective UDF government even before the Congress finalises its decision on the Chief Ministerial post. League leaders are reported to have issued clear directions regarding who should lead the government. The protest mounted against Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, after he criticised the League’s growing influence, is also being viewed as a warning signal aimed at strengthening the party’s hold over the administration.
Apart from demanding the post of Deputy Chief Minister, the Muslim League has also sought the Deputy Speaker’s position and key departments that receive substantial central funding, including Education, Public Works, Health, Local Self-Government and Industries. Although there was initially strong opposition within the Congress to allowing the League to retain the Education Department, the demand was eventually not accepted. The League is also reported to have increased its influence in administrative matters by citing the support of eight Muslim community MLAs in addition to its own 22 legislators. Following this, directions were allegedly issued to terminate 2,624 temporary employees working under the Kudumbashree District Mission, reportedly based on instructions from the personal assistant of a League leader. The list reportedly includes employees appointed since the tenure of the Oommen Chandy government. Efforts are also said to be underway to replace them with League-backed nominees.
League’s growing administrative influence
The League have begun intervening in multiple administrative departments beyond these appointments. Reports suggest that the party has even prepared lists concerning transfers in the Home Department. These developments have triggered concern within sections of the Congress leadership over the expanding role of the League in government affairs.
The morning after the election results were declared, Muslim League state president Sadikali Shihab Thangal publicly came out in support of Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan for the Chief Minister’s post. Subsequently, League MLA K. M. Shaji also issued a statement backing Satheesan. However, after allegations emerged that the League was attempting to gain excessive influence within the Congress, Shaji later softened his position.
As criticism over the League’s intervention in governance intensified, M. K. Muneer was brought forward to defend the party, arguing that a campaign of fear was being spread against the League. At the same time, the Muslim League reportedly conveyed its support for V.D. Satheesan to the AICC observers. Following the AICC meeting, P. K. Kunjalikutty told the media that the League would announce its stand on the Chief Minister only after the Congress leadership arrived at a final decision. Meanwhile, allegations continue to surface from within the Congress that a faction led by V.D. Satheesan is taking Chief ministerial battles to the streets with the backing of the Muslim League.
