The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is facing growing discontent within its ranks over the appointment of personal staff by its Ministers in the United Democratic Front (UDF) government.
P.K. Kunhalikutty, K.M. Shaji, N. Samsudheen, P.K. Basheer and V.E. Abdul Gafoor hold the Industries, Local Self-Governments, General Education, Public Works and Fisheries portfolios respectively in the V.D. Satheesan-led government.
The discontent spilled into the open on Friday when the Muslim Students Federation (MSF), the IUML’s student wing, adopted a resolution at its Malappuram district committee meeting criticising the appointments. The resolution accused the Ministers of overlooking scores of party workers who had stood by the party through the decade-long Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule, despite personal hardships, police action and criminal cases. It also alleged that some appointees lacked political background or proven commitment to the party.
Viral photo
The resolution further claimed that recommendations of key IUML feeder organisations, including the Muslim Youth League, MSF, Kerala School Teachers Union (KSTU), and Confederation of Kerala College Teachers (CKCT), were ignored.
Resentment had already spilled onto social media, where MYL and MSF leaders questioned the appointments. A photograph of MSF State vice president Firos Pallath from Karunagappally, dressed in a uniform of a food delivery app and waiting by his motorbike to collect an order, went viral. He was portrayed as a symbol of overlooked grassroots workers.
Sharing the photograph, Sudheer Parakullam, captain of the IUML unit White Guard in Iravipuram, said Mr. Pallath had devoted a decade to the party without holding any position despite severe personal hardships. “He endured police brutality and faced multiple criminal cases while leading youth and student protests during the Pinarayi Vijayan government’s tenure. This phase, too, shall pass,” Mr. Parakullam wrote.
Objection to criteria
MSF State treasurer and Malappuram district panchayat member Ashar Perumukku echoed the criticism, writing: “The hard work belongs to the workers. The hopes belong to them too. But when the criteria for recognition are decided elsewhere, it is not one individual who is disappointed; it is every sincere worker who has given sweat and commitment to the party.”
MSF Kollam district treasurer Aslam Salam also shared the photograph. Hundreds of party workers responded to the posts, criticising the IUML leadership and Ministers for overlooking committed grassroots workers. Some even alleged that Mr. Pallath had been ignored because he was from south Kerala.
The IUML had earlier constituted a committee comprising State general secretary P.M.A. Salam and former Wakf Board chairman Syed Rasheedali Shihab Thangal to oversee appointments to Ministers’ personal staff and ensure transparency. Critics, however, alleged that the committee itself was sidelined. The IUML leadership defended the appointments. District general secretary P. Abdul Hameed said the number of aspirants far exceeded the available positions. “Only those with the required capabilities were selected. Most of our Ministers are first-timers and therefore required staff with prior administrative experience,” he said.
