Malappuram: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay in selecting Kerala’s next Chief Minister, warning that prolonged uncertainty could lead to political repercussions.
The criticism comes amid continuing suspense within the Congress party over the chief ministerial pick, nearly a week after the UDF secured a historic victory in the April 9 Assembly elections.
IUML Malappuram district general secretary P Abdul Hameed said the delay had already triggered frustration among party workers and the public.
“The decision has already been delayed. If it is prolonged further, there will be repercussions. We hope the AICC leadership realises this,” Hameed told reporters.
He said people across Kerala were openly questioning the delay, adding that even women voters from the district had contacted party leaders asking why they had voted for the UDF if the leadership decision remained unresolved.
“There is dissatisfaction everywhere. People are raising only this issue wherever we go, including at marriage functions and funerals,” he said.
Hameed further remarked that Kerala’s political culture differs significantly from that of north Indian states and said politically aware voters in the state would not accept prolonged indecision over leadership.
He also pointed out that despite receiving a massive mandate, the UDF had not been able to celebrate its victory properly because of the uncertainty surrounding the CM post.
“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 the growing dissatisfaction,” he said.
The IUML leader added that the party had already conveyed its views regarding the chief ministerial candidate to the Congress leadership and expressed confidence that the Congress would seriously consider the ally’s opinion.
The Congress leadership is yet to finalise Kerala’s next Chief Minister, despite discussions held in New Delhi between Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, and the three leaders considered to be in the race for the post.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, AICC general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, and Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan are currently seen as the main contenders for the chief minister’s position.
With PTI inputs