Muslim League national general secretary and MLA P.K. Kunhalikutty has dismissed claims that the party pressed for the deputy chief minister post during coalition talks within the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala. Speaking in Kozhikode, he said the League never insisted on the position and that allegations to the contrary were being circulated for political effect.
PK Kunhalikutty deputy chief minister post
Kunhalikutty emphasised that the League’s role in the UDF has been that of a partner and not a claimant of specific offices. With the coalition now occupying power, the veteran leader said the discussions around the deputy chief minister position were being exaggerated by critics and rival parties. He reiterated the party’s view that such appointments are not a condition the League sought.
“When the details of governance are being finalised, it is natural for different narratives to surface,” Kunhalikutty said. “But the League has not laid any preconditions for the deputy chief minister post. We will express our views on matters concerning the party at the appropriate time.”
The MLA noted that the Muslim League has grown in influence within the UDF and is now recognised as the coalition’s second-largest partner in several local formations. Even so, Kunhalikutty underlined that the League does not intend to press demands that might disrupt the coalition’s unity.
Addressing the mechanics of candidate selection and parliamentary nominations, he clarified that such decisions rest with the respective parties. “Questions about which MPs to nominate or how to contest elections are ultimately for parties to decide,” Kunhalikutty said. “The League will present its positions when the time comes, as is customary in coalition politics.”
Kunhalikutty praised the Congress for its role in the recent election campaign, describing its performance as decisive in securing a substantial victory for the UDF. He said the coalition’s success reflected coordinated campaigning and voter support across constituencies, and he predicted that the UDF would continue to build on that mandate.
Political analysts say Kunhalikutty’s comments aim to dampen speculation about power-sharing rows within the UDF. By publicly denying a demand for the deputy chief minister post, the League leadership appears intent on projecting an image of discipline and cooperation as the new administration takes shape.
The remarks also seek to pre-empt opposition charges that the League was bargaining for high office. Kunhalikutty insisted that the party’s focus remains on governance priorities and serving its constituencies rather than on securing titles.
Looking ahead, the League is expected to engage in talks with coalition partners regarding portfolios and responsibilities. Observers will watch closely to see how these negotiations unfold and whether they produce a distribution of posts that satisfies all partners while keeping the coalition intact.
For now, Kunhalikutty’s public stance frames the Muslim League as a constructive coalition partner in Kerala, willing to forgo headline-seeking demands for the sake of broader unity and effective government.
Key Takeaways:
- PK Kunhalikutty clarifies that the Muslim League never demanded the deputy chief minister post during UDF discussions.
- The League remains a key partner in the UDF, despite being the coalition’s second-largest party in Kerala.
- Decisions on candidate selection and MP nominations will be taken by the respective parties, not imposed by the League.
- Kunhalikutty credits the Congress and the UDF for a significant electoral victory and signals continued cooperative politics.
