Thiruvananthapuram, 16 May (H.S): Kerala Chief Minister-designate V.D. Satheesan on Saturday strongly defended the role of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), describing it as a “brother party” and asserting that the party has played a crucial role in safeguarding Kerala’s secular character.

His remarks come amid criticism from BJP leaders and Hindu community organisations alleging that the Congress high command selected Satheesan as Chief Minister under pressure from the Muslim League. Satheesan made the comments after visiting the League leadership at the party office in Thiruvananthapuram, where he held discussions with senior leaders.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Satheesan said the Muslim League had remained one of the strongest pillars of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and had worked closely with the Congress during the Assembly election campaign.

“This time, we functioned as a united team in a manner not seen in earlier elections. With the support of League state president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, we stood together both inside and outside the Assembly,” Satheesan said.

He said the UDF had consistently maintained a strong secular position and that Kerala’s voters had endorsed that approach in the recent elections. Satheesan credited the League leadership and Shihab Thangal for strengthening that stand.

Referring to communal tensions and political controversies in recent months, he said several forces had attempted to create divisions through campaigns around issues such as Munambam and Palluruthy. However, he said the League leadership had adopted a mature and balanced position.

“The stand taken by Shihab Thangal and the League leadership surprised even me,” he said.

Recalling historical developments, Satheesan said the Muslim League had adopted a similar secular position even during the period following the Babri Masjid demolition. He said the League had consistently supported the UDF’s secular ideology and that none of its leaders had made communal remarks.

“If the League becomes weak, who will occupy that space? That is a serious question. Kerala itself could face consequences,” Satheesan said, reiterating that Congress and the League would continue to move forward together.

League state president Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, meanwhile, described Satheesan as the most suitable Chief Minister for Kerala and assured him of the party’s complete support. Senior League leaders including P.K. Kunhalikutty, P.M.A. Salam and E.T. Mohammed Basheer also attended the meeting. The League, with 22 MLAs, is the second-largest party in the UDF alliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman