Kerala assembly elections: IUML revamps with youth push, new faces

IUML, Kerala’s oldest Muslim political force and the second-largest constituent of UDF, has presented itself as a party in transition as it enters a crucial election --aware of both the scale of challenges ahead and the need to adapt to a changing political landscape.Historically known for one of the highest electoral strike rates in the state, IUML recognises that its role goes beyond winning most of the 27 seats it contests. The party’s larger task is to ensure a consolidation of Muslim votes across Kerala, like the LSG polls, particularly in the five Malabar districts, where the community’s demographic presence ranges from nearly 70% in Malappuram to around 29% in Wayanad — a factor seen as critical for UDF to return to power. Yet the party’s current recalibration goes beyond electoral arithmetic. In an increasingly polarised environment, IUML appears conscious that its longterm relevance depends on expanding its appeal across communities and social segments. Its candidate list offers clear signals of this shift.The party has initiated a generational shift by dropping six MLAs and fielding 10 new faces while also attempting to break from its traditional mould by naming two women candidates, including a woman from a marginalised community in a general constituency. In addition, a Dalit candidate has been backed as an independent in Chelakkara reserved seat.The party’s decision to field two women, breaking the traditional image of being an ‘all-male’ electoral legacy, is indeed bold. IUML was wary of inviting the ire of powerful clergy groups in the past, but it has adopted a more inclusive and pragmatic approach under the leadership of Panakkad Sadikkali Shihab Thangal.Against the backdrop of the total domination it achieved in Malappuram, IUML has shown the organisational confidence to give a chance to youth in sure seats like Kondotty and Koduvally and field its student wing leader for the first time to wrest a seat like Tanur. Veteran journalist N P Chekkutty, who hasclosely tracked Muslim politics in Kerala, sees the changes as part of a broader pattern of adaptation.“IUML leadership realises that to remain relevant in a rapidly changing society, it must evolve. That is clearly visible in its candidate list and political approach,” he said.He pointed out that a similar shift occurred over three decades ago, when a younger leadership cohort, including P K Kunhalikutty and E T Mohammed Basheer, emerged, helping the party move beyond traditional conservative, feudal frameworks and strengthen its secular credentials.Chekkutty added that the party has now taken a major step forward by giving seats to a substantial section of young leaders. The change in the party’s stand towards women is also visible, especially since a former leader of Haritha movement who headed an internal political rebellion raising women rights issues has been given a party ticket.The restraint and moderation shown by the party towards even the harsh charges by community leaders like Vellapally Natesan are noticeable as it is aware that any retaliation will only exacerbate religious polarisation and harm the UDF’s broader appeal.In response, IUML has gone to great lengths to underline its secular credentials. Sadikkali Thangal had conducted a statewide yatra, including courtesy visits to bishops and exchange of gifts during Christmas even while countering accusations that it represents only community and identity-driven interests.“The way the IUML has handled recent issues shows that it is not following a confrontationist polity but is a modern political party,” said Chekkutty.At the same time, the party has managed to retain its core space as the principal political voice of the Muslim community in Kerala, even among the multiple organisations in the community.Also party supremo Sadikkali Thangal has been adopting a more engaged and hands-on approach in party matters compared to the understated approach taken by his predecessors.