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Kerala CM designate Satheesan says IUML pressure shaped UDF secular unity and cabinet talks near completion
Politics
Published on 16 May 2026
He claims IUML leader Thangal quietly drove UDF secularism
Kerala CM-designate V D Satheesan on Saturday met IUML leaders and credited the party, led by Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, as a “brother party” sustaining the UDF’s secular stance. He said communal campaigns over Munambam and Palluruthy issues failed because IUML’s leadership stayed firm, even during the Babri Masjid demolition period. Satheesan also argued that IUML’s strength is essential for Kerala’s stability and said portfolio-sharing discussions are complete, with announcements expected Sunday.
- Satheesan called IUML a vital “brother party” for Kerala’s secular fabric
- He linked IUML chief Thangal to the UDF’s secular stand despite divisive campaigns
- Satheesan cited IUML’s secular support during the Babri Masjid demolition period
- IUML is the UDF’s second-largest constituent with 22 MLAs
- He said portfolio-sharing discussions are complete; cabinet details expected Sunday
- BJP and allied Hindu caste groups alleged Satheesan was chosen under IUML pressure
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times