ll is not well for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) at Parappanangadi, one of the newly formed municipalities in the district. The IUML, which is the frontrunner of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Malappuram district, is facing a tough challenge from a group which is being formed as a result of an alleged unholy nexus.
A section within the Congress has tied up with the CPI(M) to form a local front against the IUML.
The Welfare Party of India has proclaimed its solid stand against the IUML. A section within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has displayed a soft corner towards the anti-League front. The Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is yet to make its stand clear.
Seat-sharing talks
Even when the discussions of seat-sharing were on between the IUML and the Congress, a group of Congress men led by district committee member T.V. Khader clinched a deal with the CPI(M), giving jitters to both Congress and IUML leaderships.
District leaders of the Congress and the Muslim League said they never wanted an alliance outside of the UDF. They said even if someone contested by violating the front’s norms, they would be considered rebels.
The leaders, however, refused to go on record as they were deeply involved in discussions. “The scenario is not yet clear. Some changes may take place,” they said, indicating that talks were on to dissuade those working against the UDF.
The UDF has been in power at the outgoing panchayat council of Parappanangadi. When the IUML had secured 15 of the 23 seats, the Congress had only two seats. When there were two IUML-backed independents, the Congress had one independent. The CPI(M) had two seats and the BJP only one.
The newly formed Parappanangadi Municipality has 45 seats.
