Thiruvananthapuram, 01 Nov (H.S.):

Uncertainty persists within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) over its nominees for chairperson posts in government boards and corporations, with an official announcement awaited despite indications that party president Panakkad Sadiqali Shihab Thangal has approved the list.

The delay has caused unease among aspirants, including leaders who believed their appointments were assured. Initial reports suggested that state office-bearers and state secretariat members would receive most of the positions, while district presidents and general secretaries could also find places on the list.

A senior party leader maintained that the selection process had been completed and attributed the delay to Thangal’s absence.

“Thangal has signed the list of chairpersons. The announcement has been delayed because he is away. It will be made once he returns,” the leader said.

However, IUML general secretary P.M.A. Salam rejected reports that the party had submitted a preliminary list of nominees to the Chief Minister, adding another dimension to the uncertainty surrounding the appointments.

In a Facebook post, Salam described media reports concerning the appointments as baseless. He said decisions taken by the IUML and the United Democratic Front would be communicated at the appropriate time.

Reports circulated by outside sources had no connection with either the party or the coalition, he added.

The IUML has reportedly been allotted the same number of chairperson posts it held during the Oommen Chandy government, giving the party more than 35 positions across boards and corporations.

Its affiliated organisations, including the Youth League and Women’s League, are also expected to receive due consideration in the distribution of posts.

Besides their office-bearers, senior leaders who currently hold no formal organisational responsibilities are reportedly being considered. With the leadership yet to issue an official list, the final allocation of positions among these groups remains unclear within the party.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman