Malappuram, 16 June (H.S.) : Internal discontent is mounting within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) over the functioning of a special monitoring committee led by Malappuram constituency president Syed Rasheed Ali Shihab Thangal and state general secretary P.M.A. Salam, with a section of party leaders alleging that key appointments are being decided in a unilateral manner.
According to party sources, dissatisfaction initially surfaced over the selection of personal staff for Muslim League ministers and has since intensified following recent appointments to government legal positions. Critics within the party claim that recommendations made by district-level leaders were overlooked while finalising appointments, leading to accusations that a small group is exercising disproportionate influence over the process.
The controversy has also been fuelled by the inclusion of retired government employees in ministers’ personal staff. Some leaders have questioned the decision, arguing that individuals with limited organisational involvement were given preference over long-serving party workers and activists.
The appointment of government pleaders allotted to the Muslim League has further deepened the divide. Of the nine government pleader posts allocated to the party, several selections have reportedly triggered objections from local leaders and cadres. In particular, the appointment of Advocate P.A. Nishad, husband of Perinthalmanna Block Panchayat President Najma Tabsheera, as a High Court Pleader has drawn criticism from a section of the party. Detractors argue that experienced advocates who have worked for the organisation over many years were sidelined in the process.
However, the party’s state leadership has defended the appointments, maintaining that the special committee was constituted to ensure that selections are made strictly on the basis of merit and professional competence rather than factional considerations.
Party sources said Rasheed Ali Thangal is expected to hold discussions with Muslim League ministers to address concerns raised by leaders and workers. With several appointments to boards, corporations and university syndicates under departments handled by League ministers still pending, party insiders believe similar controversies could emerge in the coming weeks unless the issue is resolved.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
