Malappuram: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has officially released its first list of 25 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections. In a major political development, senior leader M.K. Muneer has been excluded from the candidate list due to health issues, while party heavyweight P.K. Kunhalikutty will shift his constituency to Malappuram.
Major Surprises and Key Changes in the IUML Candidate List
The IUML’s candidate list introduces several crucial shifts in traditional strongholds:
- P.K. Kunhalikutty will be contesting from Malappuram instead of his usual Vengara constituency.
- K.M. Shaji has been tapped to contest from Vengara, taking over Kunhalikutty’s former seat.
- M.K. Muneer, a veteran face of the party, is stepping back from the electoral fray this time around due to his health constraints.
- Fathima Thahiliya, a prominent youth leader, has been fielded from the Perambra constituency.
- Faisal Babu will be the IUML candidate contesting from Kozhikode South.
The Muslim League has confirmed that candidates for the Punalur and Chelakkara constituencies will be announced in a subsequent list.
Constituency-Wise Candidate List for Kerala Assembly Election:
The party has strategically deployed its leaders across the northern and central districts of Kerala. Here is the list of candidates announced so far:
- Manjeshwar – A.K.M. Ashraf
- Kasaragod – Kalladra Mayin Haji
- Azhikode – Karim Cheleri
- Koothuparamba – Jayanthi Rajan
- Kuttiady – Parakkal Abdulla
- Perambra – Fathima Thahiliya
- Kondotty – Ashrafali
- Eranad – Basheer
- Mankada – Ali
- Vengara – K.M. Shaji
- Kottakkal – Abid Hussain Thangal
- Tanur – Nawaz
- Tirurangadi – P.M.A. Sameer / Anwar Naha (Note: Preliminary reports cite both names for the region’s representation)
- Guruvayur – C.H. Rasheed
- Kunnamangalam – Razak Master
- Manjeri – Rahmatullah
- Thiruvambadi – C.K. Kasim
- Mannarkkad – N. Shamsudheen
- Kalamassery – V.E. Abdul Gafoor
Gearing Up for the Elections
With the announcement of these 25 names, the Muslim League has officially kicked off its campaign for the Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. By introducing fresh faces like Fathima Thahiliya alongside seasoned politicians, the party aims to strike a balance between youth representation and experienced leadership.
Political analysts are closely watching the electoral battle in Malappuram and Vengara following the high-profile constituency swaps. Stay tuned for further updates as the IUML prepares to release the final names for the remaining constituencies.
