The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership on May 13 held a crucial meeting at Panakkad House in Malappuram, the residence of state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, amid growing uncertainty over the formation of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala.
The meeting came against the backdrop of mounting frustration within the UDF over the continued delay in the Congress high command announcing the next Chief Minister, despite the alliance securing a decisive electoral victory. Sources indicate that sections within the Muslim League are increasingly uneasy over the Congress leadership’s inability to finalise the Congress Parliamentary Party leader even 10 days after the counting of votes.
According to party sources, IUML leaders expressed concern that the prolonged uncertainty is affecting cadre morale and creating confusion among grassroots workers who are struggling to respond to questions from supporters following the alliance’s victory. Leaders are understood to have conveyed that the delay risks diluting the political momentum and public enthusiasm generated by the UDF’s strong performance in the elections.
The Panakkad meeting reportedly focused on the League’s strategy regarding cabinet formation, ministerial representation, and the party’s broader political position within the new government. Observers view the discussions as part of the IUML’s effort to assert its influence as the second-largest constituent in the UDF.
Reports also suggest that there is considerable support within sections of the Muslim League for senior Congress leader V.D. Satheesan to be appointed Chief Minister, with many leaders reportedly arguing that he should lead the government after spearheading the UDF’s electoral campaign. Political circles are also abuzz with reports that the League leadership has communicated its preference for Satheesan to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
Meanwhile, posters carrying politically loaded messages have surfaced in Wayanad, the Lok Sabha constituency represented by Priyanka Gandhi. The posters reportedly warn that “an easy win is not always guaranteed” and suggest that “Wayanad could become the next Amethi.” Though the posters do not mention any organisation or individual, the messaging has triggered political speculation amid the ongoing leadership uncertainty.
Adding another dimension to the debate, reports suggest that the Welfare Party, regarded as the political wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has floated the idea of a Muslim Chief Minister, further intensifying political discussions around representation and leadership within the UDF camp.
Political Kerala is now closely watching whether the Congress high command will soon break the deadlock and announce its Chief Ministerial choice before tensions within the alliance deepen further.
