The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) will get a one-year term for the post of Deputy Mayor in the Kochi Corporation.
The term will be given after the first term of Congress candidate Deepak Joy, which is now likely to be curtailed from two-and-a-half years to two years. T.K. Asharaf will be the IUML’s Deputy Mayor candidate. “The one-year term of the IUML will be decided by the UDF leadership at the State level after consulting the district UDF leadership,” said IUML sources.
The decision was reached after IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty held online discussions with Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash. The IUML also conveyed its displeasure over the manner in which the Congress district leadership overlooked the party’s claim for at least a one-year term of Deputy Mayor and unilaterally announced two candidates for the post in a split-term arrangement. K.V.P. Krishnakumar is the other candidate.
The IUML has three councillors compared to the Congress’ 42. Mr. Asharaf had rebelled against the party leadership and successfully contested as an Independent in 2020. He was instrumental in the Left Democratic Front grabbing power in the last council. He also served as the health standing committee chairperson of the Corporation.
He returned to the party ahead of the local body elections and was given the Kaloor North division, where he won. Despite the rebellion, the party chose him for the post of Deputy Mayor due to his experience as a five-time councillor as well as administrative experience.
Published – December 25, 2025 01:28 am IST
