IUML asserts its commitment to Congress-led UDF amid Left overtures in Kerala

Indian Union Muslim League’s Thangal reaffirms party's commitment to UDF; rejects speculation of joining LDF. IUML leader reiterates party's allegiance to UDF, rejects speculation of joining LDF. Thangal stresses IUML's role in strengthening UDF, denies any shift in alliance.

Amid apparent overtures by Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)]-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Kerala president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal made it clear on November 20, 2023 that there was no question of his party deviating from its responsibility to strengthen the Congress-led alliance in Kerala.

Addressing an IUML Wayanad district council camp at Sultan Bathery, Mr. Thangal reiterated his party's unwavering commitment to strengthening the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

He said that the party has numerous reasons to remain steadfast in its alliance with the UDF.

His statement comes amid an alleged bid by the LDF to woo the key Congress ally into its fold.

Days after IUML MLA and Malappuram district general secretary P. Abdul Hameed was nominated to the Left-controlled director board of the Kerala State Co-operative Bank, now called Kerala Bank, Mr. Thangal said that this does not indicate a shift in the alliance.

Highlighting the party's role in ensuring unity and cooperation within the UDF coalition, the IUML leader also rejected the speculation of a possible association with the LDF.

In an embarrassment for the UDF, a key member of IUML had participated in the Left government's outreach programme Navakerala Sadas in Kasaragod on November 19, 2023 despite it being boycotted by the Congress-led Opposition alliance.