Discontent has erupted within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) following the announcement of its candidates’ list for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala.
The IUML Kerala State secretary Abdurahiman Randathani openly challenged the party leadership’s decision to field P M A Sameer from the Tirurangadi constituency for the Assembly elections. The CPM and Left Front are trying to take advantage of the discontent in the IUML following the announcement of its candidates list.
The CPM move is to field Abdurahiman Randathani as a Left-backed independent candidate. There are reports that the party has already approached him. There were indications that he might contest from Tirur or Tanur. However, there are also indications that he has informed the CPM that he was interested in contesting from Tirurangadi.
The Tirurangadi seat is currently with the CPI. Ajit Koladi has also been declared as the CPI candidate in the constituency. However, there are indications that the CPM might request the CPI to vacate the Tirurangadi seat in the new situation. It is also believed that if the CPI is ready to vacate it, Abdurahiman Randathani might contest in Tirurangadi as a Left-backed Independent.
The CPIM Malappuram District Secretariat has approved Randathani’s entry into the LDF fold. Randathani had not ruled out the possibility of contesting as a Left-backed independent when he met the media on Wednesday.
When asked by reporters whether he would be the LDF candidate, he had not given a clear answer. His reply was that he could not comment on the matter anymore. When asked if he had spoken to CPM leaders, he replied that he has friendly relationships with many CPM leaders.