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IUML Demands More Seats in Kerala Alliance After Local Polls Surge

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) plans to demand a larger share of seats within the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. This demand follows the party's significant gains in the recent local body elections, where it solidified its position as the state's third-largest party. IUML president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal stated the party will contest its existing constituencies and prioritize women candidates. The UDF emerged as the biggest winner in the local polls, while the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered a setback.

Key Points: IUML Seeks Larger Seat Share in UDF for Kerala Elections

  • IUML to demand more seats in UDF
  • Based on strong local body election performance
  • Women to be given priority in candidate list
  • Seat-sharing to be based on winning prospects
2 min read

IUML to seek larger seat share in UDF following local body success

Following strong local body results, IUML to demand more seats from Congress-led UDF ahead of Kerala Assembly elections. Details on seat-sharing talks.

"The Indian Union Muslim League will seek a higher number of seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. - Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal"

Mallapuram, January 6

Ahead of the upcoming Kerala assembly elections, United Democratic Front ally Indian Union Muslim League is planning to raise the demand for more seats within the alliance, based on the party's recent performance in the state civic polls.

Earlier on Sunday, IUML president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal confirmed that his party will seek more seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. He stated that IUML will contest in its existing constituencies and that candidates will be announced at an early stage, with women to be given priority.

"The Indian Union Muslim League will seek a higher number of seats in the upcoming Assembly elections. The exact number of seats to be demanded has not yet been finalised. The League will contest in its existing constituencies, and candidates will be announced at an early stage. Women will be given priority in the candidate list... Seat-sharing decisions will be made purely based on winning prospects. The Muslim League has no political alliance with the Welfare Party of India," the IUML chief told ANI on Sunday.

IUML recorded a significant surge in its performance in the latest local body elections, further cementing its position as Kerala's 3rd largest political party after the Congress and the CPM.

Excluding party-backed independents, IUML candidates won 2,844 seats, up 713 from the 2,131 secured in the 2020 elections, including all tiers of local governance corporations, municipalities and the three-tier panchayat.

The party's total seat tally rose to 3,203, up from 2,338 in 2020, a net gain of 865 seats.

Congress-led UDF emerged as the biggest winner in the heart of the battle, leading in 505 of the 941 Grama Panchayats until 9 pm on December 13, 2025. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) suffered a setback, with a majority in only 340 Grama Panchayats. NDA led with 26, while AAP won three, according to the State Election Commission

The major political battle in Kerala is between the United Democratic Front, led by the Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s Left Democratic Front. The state is set to witness elections in the first half of this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is interesting from a political strategy perspective. IUML is leveraging its local success to gain more influence at the state level. The Congress will have to manage this demand carefully to keep the UDF united against the LDF. Kerala's political equations are always fascinating.
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Priya S
While I understand the logic of rewarding performance, I hope this doesn't lead to internal squabbles within the UDF. The focus should remain on providing good governance and defeating the LDF. Too much haggling over seats can turn off voters who want stability.
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Vikram M
Good to see a clear statement that seat-sharing will be based on "winning prospects." That's how it should be. No room for sentiment. Also, clarifying they have no alliance with the Welfare Party is important to avoid confusion among their voter base. Smart politics.
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Rohit P
As a common voter, I'm a bit tired of this pre-election seat bargaining drama. All parties do it. Just tell us what your vision for Kerala is, what you'll do for development, jobs, and infrastructure. That's what matters more than how many seats a party gets.
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Michael C
The data is impressive – a net gain of 865 seats is significant. It shows IUML has effectively consolidated its support. The Congress leadership must recognize this ground reality. A strong, confident ally is better than a resentful one. Hope they negotiate amicably.

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