Kozhikode

Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M K Muneer on Saturday clarified that the party has not endorsed any leader from the Indian National Congress as the chief ministerial face of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala.

Responding to recent interpretations of remarks made by IUML state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal—which some viewed as support for Congress leader V D Satheesan—Muneer said no such endorsement had been made.

He clarified that Thangal had only stated that the decision regarding the chief ministerial candidate rests with the Congress high command and had not named or backed any individual for the post.

Muneer said the Congress has several capable leaders and expressed confidence that the party leadership would take a timely decision after the election results are announced on May 4. He added that whatever decision the Congress high command takes is likely to be accepted within the party.

The former minister also alleged that attempts were being made to create apprehension among voters by portraying the IUML as a force that would dominate a future UDF government.

He claimed that narratives suggesting communal tensions would rise if the IUML were given key portfolios, such as home or education, were part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear and division.

According to Muneer, such messaging is aimed at linking the IUML with broader hate-driven politics and undermining its role in public life.

He further argued that the current Assembly election has not witnessed minority consolidation, but rather a coming together of secular voters who, he said, are opposed to divisive and communal rhetoric.

READ MORE: Naghma Sahar showed the calmer, sensitive side of Television news anchoring

Muneer expressed confidence that the election results would reflect this sentiment.