IUML revolts over denial of Deputy Mayor post

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has raised a banner of revolt against the alleged unilateral manner in which the Congress announced two Deputy Mayor candidates on a split term in the Kochi Corporation, without consultations within the United Democratic Front (UDF).

The IUML, which has three councillors, has formally staked its claim to the Deputy Mayor’s post for the full term in a written communication to the UDF district chairman and the District Congress Committee (DCC). Reportedly, the DCC’s announcement of Deputy Mayor candidates was made before a meeting that was scheduled with IUML leaders on Tuesday evening.

“To begin with, the announcements should not have been made by the DCC but by the UDF. The tendency of the UDF being reduced to a one-party setup whenever the Congress secures a majority is often noticed statewide and is unacceptable. As the second major constituent in the UDF, we are entitled to at least one term of the Deputy Mayor’s post. Our demand has been political and not based on community considerations,” a senior IUML leader said.

The State leadership of the IUML is in consultations with the UDF at the State level. If that does not yield a solution, district-level IUML leaders will meet on Wednesday evening. Sources indicated that the possibility of the IUML staying away from the UDF in the district cannot be completely ruled out.