IUML to Receive Two Seats in Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls, Rajya Sabha Seat Assured in the Future: VD Satheesan

Opposition leader VD Satheesan announced that the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is set to receive two seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, he mentioned that providing a third seat has proven challenging and has been communicated to the league. In a compromise, it has been agreed that the IUML will be allocated the next Rajya Sabha seat. The UDF seat distribution has been finalized, with the IUML contesting in Malappuram and Ponnani. This decision was reached through consultations among Congress leaders and holds the approval of the national leadership. The formal announcement of Congress candidates is expected in the first week of March.

The IUML had initially sought a third seat in the Lok Sabha elections, and the current arrangement seems to accommodate the health conditions of MPs ET Mohammed Basheer and Abdul Samadani, who are contenders from the League. Abdul Samadani, the sitting MP from Malappuram, may contest from Ponnani, while ET Mohammed Basheer could be allocated the seat from Malappuram. The Lok Sabha elections schedule has not been announced yet, but discussions among political parties are underway, with the LDF concluding its talks earlier. The Congress is expected to unveil its candidates soon, indicating a clear understanding among the coalition partners.