Due to political constraints, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership appears to be weighing a strict cap on legislative tenures against the proven winnability of seasoned leaders to safeguard the party’s success rate and bargaining power when challenging the Congress party during the contentious seat-sharing process in the United Democratic Front (UDF) for the upcoming Assembly polls.
Previously, the party had adopted an electoral norm of denying tickets to leaders who have served three terms (15 years) in the State Assembly. Several senior leaders, including M.K. Muneer, P.K. Kunhalikutty, and Manjalamkuzhi Ali will not be able to contest if the party strictly enforces the cap. However, as in the past, many of these leaders are likely to be granted exceptions, sources said.
Simultaneously, the leadership faces mounting pressure to field younger candidates, including office-bearers from its student and youth wings, coupled with a persistent demand for female representation. The party’s previous attempt to diversify was tempered by a setback when it fielded Noorbina Rasheed, replacing Mr. Muneer in the Kozhikode South Assembly segment, which resulted in the loss of the seat. Thus, the leadership is now exercising a heavy dose of caution in its candidate selection.
Deputy CM post
Besides, the leadership is determined to improve its previous electoral performance to reinforce its claim for the Deputy Chief Minister post, should the UDF return to power. This ambition is rooted in its skilful brinkmanship that secured it a fifth ministerial berth in the 2011-2016 Oommen Chandy ministry and an additional Rajya Sabha seat in 2024. Interestingly, the party has two Rajya Sabha seats compared to the single seat held by the Congress from Kerala, highlighting its formidable negotiating capacity.
This clout is already visible at the grassroots level, where the IUML has dominated key positions in local bodies even without commanding numbers. Having demonstrated such tactical dominance in civic elections, the party is expected to adhere to a strategy in the final selection of candidates until a formal seat-sharing agreement is reached. While ensuring veterans are deployed only where victory is most assured, it would not be surprising if MLAs perceived to have performed poorly were denied tickets, even if they have not yet completed 15 years in office, sources indicated.
‘Just informal talks’
Meanwhile, IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam said that only informal talks were taking place regarding the three-term cap. “There has been no formal discussion within the party on this issue. Whether a three-term cap should be imposed and whether exemptions should be granted will be discussed and decided collectively,” he maintained.
”The League has not yet begun the candidate selection process and will only take it up after completing seat-sharing talks with the Congress,” he added.
Published – January 12, 2026 06:46 pm IST
