Thiruvananthapuram

V. D. Satheesan on Friday strongly defended the Indian Union Muslim League, describing the UDF ally as a crucial political force that has helped prevent communal polarisation in Kerala.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Satheesan said the IUML played a decisive role in the United Democratic Front’s victory in the recent assembly elections and warned that attempts to weaken the party could create space for divisive forces.

“Those who call the League communal are trying to create a divide in Kerala,” Satheesan said, asserting that the IUML has remained an integral ally of the Congress-led front since the days of veteran Congress leader K. Karunakaran.

He questioned critics of the party, asking who would occupy the political space if the League were weakened. According to him, communal forces would attempt to fill that vacuum, making the IUML an important deterrent against sectarian politics in the state.

The CM-designate also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of promoting divisive narratives and said the UDF would continue to uphold secular values without compromise.

Satheesan said the alliance would not allow communal campaigns to disturb Kerala’s social harmony or weaken the unity among different communities. At the same time, he said he remains open to personal criticism and self-correction where necessary, but drew a clear line against campaigns aimed at creating religious divisions.

He also confirmed that a meeting of UDF leaders would be held later in the day to discuss cabinet formation. Senior Congress leaders K. C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, both earlier seen as contenders for the chief minister’s post, are expected to participate in the discussions along with leaders of the All India Congress Committee.

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Satheesan added that he would also visit Chennithala later in the day, describing him as “my leader.”