IUML voices concern over Cong talks over CM face

Kozhikode: IUML has expressed strong displeasure over senior Congress leaders publicly positioning themselves and mobilizing support for the chief minister's post Malappuram district general secretary P Abdul Hameed said such developments have already dented the morale of UDF's cadres. He said that open discussions on the issue would not only cause disappointment to the cadres of UDF but also to the people who voted for the front. "Such a situation should not have arisen. It will erode the morale of the cadres, which has already taken a hit. What is being discussed in certain quarters of Congress is causing disillusionment among those who voted for the front," he said. Responding to a question on even senior leaders making moves eyeing CM post, Hameed said they were expected to act responsibly and step in to prevent such trends rather than encourage them. "UDF cadres have endured hardships for the last 10 years. and it would cause great difficulties if their morale is affected," he added. On whether leaders who did not contest the assembly elections could become chief minister, Hameed said the decision rests with the Congress high command, adding that the leadership is aware of the political situation in the state, particularly with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra representing constituencies from Kerala. Meanwhile, IUML supremo Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal said the party expects the Congress high command to take an appropriate decision on the chief minister's post after May 4, taking into account the public sentiment in the state. IUML leaders had earlier said that it will support Congress's CM choice, whoever it may be, and would share opinion if consulted.