IUML slams Congress infighting over CM post in Kerala, calls it premature

As the Congress in Kerala remains engulfed in a heated debate over who will become the next Chief Minister, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) General Secretary P.M.A. Salam has criticised the public tussle over the post, calling it premature and disrespectful to the hard work of UDF workers.

Addressing the media in Malappuram on Thursday, Salam expressed deep concern over the aggressive public campaigning by supporters of Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, as well as senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala and K.C. Venugopal on social media. He emphasised that such actions create unnecessary controversy even before votes are counted.

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He warned that if reports of a dispute over the Chief Minister’s post are true, it could have “serious consequences” and damage the unity of the alliance. He urged the Congress high command to step in and control the situation.

Salam said the public has given a strong mandate for the UDF to govern, not to engage in internal bickering. He stressed that votes must first be counted and a clear majority secured before any discussion on the Chief Minister’s post takes place.

He clarified that the IUML has not yet held internal discussions on the issue and will abide by the eventual decision of the Congress high command.

Interestingly, Salam also noted that there is historical precedent in Kerala for individuals to assume the office of Chief Minister without contesting elections.

The IUML leadership, the second-largest constituent in the Congress-led UDF, believes that such public posturing is detrimental to the coalition’s image and political prospects.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and Kozhikode MP M.K. Raghavan also spoke out against the open tug-of-war over the Chief Minister’s post. He said that such public disagreements and leaders criticising each other are not good for the party in its current situation. He added that taking such issues to the public domain is not beneficial for anyone.

Raghavan said the final decision on the Chief Minister should be taken by the Congress high command. He reiterated that decisions taken by the high command are final in all organisational matters and that it will act appropriately at the right time.