The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a regional political party primarily based in Kerala, India, with a history dating back to the partition of India in 1947. After the All-India Muslim League disbanded, the Indian segment continued as the IUML, officially established on September 1, 1951, following a council meeting in Madras (now Chennai) on March 10, 1948.
The IUML's ideology is communitarian and conservative, positioning itself as a center-right party. It aims to uplift the Muslim community in Kerala, especially in the Malabar region. Recognized as a State Party by the Election Commission of India, the IUML holds a significant presence in Kerala politics. It is a major member of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), an INC-led pre-poll state-level alliance in Kerala.
In Kerala's political landscape, the IUML has historically played a vital role. Whenever the UDF forms the government in Kerala, IUML leaders are often appointed as important Cabinet Ministers. Despite its regional focus, the party has maintained a small but consistent presence in the Indian Parliament. Additionally, at the national level, it is part of the INDIA alliance.
Overall, the IUML's contributions to Kerala's political and social fabric underscore its commitment to the welfare of its constituents and the democratic process.
In an interview, Kerala BJP Chief and Nemom MLA Rajeev Chandrasekhar discusses Kerala's political landscape, governance, and economic challenges. Criticizing the past decade under the CPM, he states, "It was not a Kerala model, it was a CPM model. And that model was a very, very dysfunctional model." Chandrasekhar evaluates the state's financial crisis, emphasizing that severe debt and lack of investment pose major headwinds for Chief Minister VD Satheesan's administration. He addresses controversies surrounding UPI merchant discount rates, terming opposition criticism manufactured and affirming that consumer transactions remain unaffected. He also comments on the Vande Mataram controversy, asserting that constitutional laws must be upheld uniformly across all states.
At the India Today Kerala Roundtable, differing views emerged within the United Democratic Front coalition regarding remarks made by Muslim cleric Kanthapuram Abu Bakar Musliyar. While coalition leaders and ministers condemned the cleric's remarks asking women to stay indoors and not appear in public, Indian Union Muslim League legislator Fatima Thaliyah defended the cleric's constitutional right to express his opinion despite disagreeing with the view. The discussions highlighted political stances on gender equality and secularism across the state.
Leaders of the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam alliance have come together to present a united front, displaying a thumbs-up gesture to signal solidarity ahead of the political contest. The coalition includes representatives from Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and the Indian Union Muslim League alongside Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam leadership. The alliance has been formally named the Madarsaatpattra Samughanidhi Vetrikootani. Left parties, while providing outside support, chose not to attend the gathering due to their existing alliance commitments.
A major political row has erupted over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Temple Trust. The Congress party questioned the decision, arguing that the CEO post should belong to saints, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League also criticised the move over donation allegations. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party defended the appointment, asserting that the new administrator will manage operations professionally. Speaking to India Today, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra stated that he felt gratitude for the opportunity and expressed confidence that managerial principles and support from the trust and his team would help him fulfill his duties. Mishra, who served in the Indian Air Force for nearly four decades and led operations including Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Sindoor, noted that he looks forward to guidance from the trust to plan and execute future strategies.
A political controversy has erupted following the appointment of a retired Indian Air Force officer as Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Mandir. The Indian Union Muslim League, allied with the Congress, questioned the decision, terming the move an attempt to divert public attention from alleged donation theft. The party demanded an investigation into financial transactions and the role of Champat Rai, alleging inaction by authorities. The Bharatiya Janata Party defended the induction, criticising opposition parties for questioning qualified individuals and politicising administrative decisions.
A major controversy has erupted in Kerala following remarks by Muslim cleric and Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, asserting that women should remain confined within the four walls of their homes and must not appear publicly. Citing religious scriptures, the cleric claimed that women's modesty and dignity are protected when they avoid public life. The remarks have drawn severe criticism and condemnation from political leaders, who stated that such regressive ideas belong to the nineteenth century and cannot be accepted in a progressive twenty-first-century society. Critics pointed out that Islamic history itself provides examples of female leadership and empowerment, including prominent businesswomen and leaders. Meanwhile, political ally Indian Union Muslim League sought to defend the cleric by framing his remarks around women's safety concerns, triggering debate within the United Democratic Front alliance regarding its stance on women's rights and empowerment.
VD Satheesan on Monday took oath as the Chief Minister of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, leading a twenty-member cabinet.
The Congress party has selected VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, following the United Democratic Front's assembly election victory. The six-time MLA will take the oath of office on May 18.
After an eleven-day deadlock, the Congress high command has appointed a new Chief Minister for Kerala, ending intense lobbying and factional disputes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to the public for the adoption of several austerity measures to mitigate the economic impact of the West Asia crisis has sparked a political confrontation. He urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, utilise public transport, and limit gold purchases to preserve foreign exchange reserves. Opposition leaders criticised the appeal, questioning the continuation of large-scale political roadshows and demanding a special parliament session to address inflation and fuel taxes. During televised debates, ruling party representatives defended the nation's economic stability, while analysts highlighted structural financial strains. Simultaneously, West Bengal announced an administrative reshuffle, appointing the former Chief Electoral Officer as Chief Secretary and the Special Observer as Chief Adviser to the Chief Minister. In Kerala, the Congress high command continues deliberations over the next Chief Minister. Key contenders include the former leader of the opposition and a prominent organisational strategist. Former state party presidents have been summoned to the national capital for consultations as the party evaluates legislative support and ally preferences before making a final announcement.
The Axis My India exit poll has predicted a clear victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front in the Kerala Assembly elections.
An Indian Union Muslim League MP, accused of consuming non-vegetarian food near the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu, has challenged BJP state chief K. Annamalai to substantiate the claim or step down. The controversy has sparked heated political exchanges.
A fresh political row erupted in Kerala’s Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is contesting the election, over the absence of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)’s flag at Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow. The Muslim League is a key alliance partner in the Congress-led UDF in Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took a jibe at Congress over this, saying that it shows Congress's cowardice. BJP leader Smriti Irani, who was in Wayanad, also attacked Rahul Gandhi over the electoral support announced by SDPI, a political outfit the banned Popular Front.
Malappuram, located in the northern part of Kerala, is known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant political scene. As the most populous district in Kerala, Malappuram is home to around 13% of the state's population and is considered the country's first e-literate and cyber-literate district. It has contributed significantly to Malayalam literature, while being a hub for Maapulapattu literature and Kathakali dance form. In addition, Malappuram is a center for Ayurvedic treatment and a hotbed of a popular sport - football. The region is majorly populated by the Muslim community, with considerable Hindu and Christian minorities. It is particularly known as a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The seven assembly constituencies forming the parliamentary constituency of Malappuram consistently elect IUML candidates to the Lok Sabha. Current MP, Abdul Samad Samadani, will face competition in coming elections. The left, eager to improve its position, plans to field well-known candidates.
A deep dive into the historic Ponnani constituency in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Known for its unique Malabar cuisine and historical significance, Ponnani has long been a political stronghold for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Our feature dives into the political landscape of the Palakkad Parliamentary Constituency, central to the state of Kerala. Renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes and lush fields, Palakkad is also notable for its highly engaging political narrative.
A video of a group of men pelting stones allegedly showed Muslim men in Kerala attacking Hindu houses, threatening them to vacate. However, their target was not visible. India Today found that the video was from 2016 and it shows members of the Indian Union Muslim League members attacking houses of cadre belonging to the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, over the murder of their party worker Muhammad Aslam. In a span of two days, IUML workers attacked more than 50 houses in Nadapuram, in the Kozhikode District of Kerala. The majority of the targeted houses belonged to CPI(M), Congress, and the BJP party cadre. CCTV footage of the attack was collected by the police, leading to cases being registered against 50 individuals in connection with the incident. India Today's fact check found that the video in question is from 2016 and that the protest was in retaliation for the murder of an IUML member.
