A strong performance by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in the recent civic body elections has moved the party to the third position in the state in terms of civic body representation.
By securing 3,203 seats across corporations, municipalities and three panchayat levels, the IUML now ranks just behind the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) in the state. The party significantly improved on the 2,338 seats it won in 2020, having won 865 more seats in the last election.
However, a notable aspect of IUML’s performance is that it secured more seats outside Malappuram district than within it. While the party won 1,456 seats in Malappuram, it won a larger number of 1,747 seats in the rest of Kerala.
“We have shown that IUML is not a party limited to Malappuram district. We have secured seats in every district, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. This is a creditable achievement this time,” said IUML state secretary Abdurahman Randathani.
In Pathanamthitta district, the IUML ended its drought by securing seven local seats for the first time. In the southern districts of Kerala, the party now has 285 councilors in panchayats, municipalities and corporations. Several non-Muslim candidates, including Christian, were elected on the IUML symbol.
In all districts
The party has improved its performance in all districts. In Kasaragod, its number increased from 196 to 263 places; in Kannur, from 223 to 262; in Wayanad, from 106 to 178; in Kozhikode, from 384 to 497; at Malappuram, from 1 103 to 1 456; in Palakkad, from 171 to 262; in Thrissur from 42 to 85; in Ernakulam, from 41 to 88; in Idukki, from 20 to 35; in Alappuzha, from 13 to 18; in Kottayam, from 5 to 8 p.m.; in Pathanamthitta, from zero to seven; in Kollam, from 4 to 7 p.m.; and in Thiruvananthapuram from six to 13 places.
“Our victory reflects the wider acceptance of IUML’s political stance in the state. We have never been communal. We have consistently taken the lead in demonstrating how a political party should respond positively and humanitarianly whenever a crisis hits Kerala. The COVID-19 pandemic and the landslide disaster in Wayanad are examples,” said Mr. Randa, explaining the party’s success across the state.
The party won 2,248 grama panchayat seats, nearly 13% of the total in the state, along with 300 block panchayats, 51 district panchayats, 568 municipal seats and 36 corporation seats.
More women
IUML state president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal said he was happy that the party had brought many educated women to the forefront of civic administration in the state. According to him, IUML’s contribution to the empowerment of Muslim women in society has surpassed that of any other organization.
The party sees its national performance – especially in Malappuram, where it won 11 out of 12 municipalities, 14 out of 15 block panchayats, the entire district panchayat council and more than 80 grama panchayats in alliance with the Congress – as a strong foundation for the upcoming assembly elections.
Published – 18 Dec 2025 20:06 IST
