The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest constituent in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, warned of political repercussions due to the week-long delay in naming the state’s next Chief Minister.
Speaking to the media in Malappuram, IUML’s Malappuram district general secretary P Abdul Hameed stated that the delay is causing widespread frustration, with people questioning the leadership “even at weddings and funerals”.
“There is dissatisfaction everywhere. People are raising only this issue wherever we go, including at marriage functions and funerals,” he said.
Abdul Hameed said victory celebrations have been stalled and newly-elected MLAs are being advised to avoid public events to escape voters’ ire over the uncertainty. “In many places, victory celebrations are not taking place. “There are situations where elected MLAs are being advised not to attend public events because of growing dissatisfaction,” he added.
“A decision on the Chief Minister will be made soon. If it is not made, there will be serious consequences. I hope the Congress leadership will realize this,” Abdul Hameed said.
He further said that continued indecision will demoralise grassroots workers who worked for the UDF’s “landslide victory.
Stating that Kerala is politically different from North Indian states, Abdul Hameed emphasised that the state’s “politically aware” electorate will not accept prolonged delays in government formation.
Uncertainty over the selection of Kerala’s next Chief Minister continues even after high-level meetings in New Delhi involving Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Despite marathon discussions held on Saturday, the Congress high command has yet to finalize the name of the chief minister. Opposition parties, including the BJP, have attacked the Congress, calling the delay a “massive act of disrespect” toward the voters.