Kerala Elections 2026 Result: IUML enters new era as Fathima Thahiliya becomes first woman MLA

Fathima Thahiliya created history by becoming the first Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) woman to enter the Kerala Assembly. Her victory in Perambra against Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener TP Ramakrishnan by a margin of 5,087 votes marks a major milestone – not just for her but for the party.

However, former Haritha leader and practicing lawyer Ms Thahiliya is not the first woman fielded by the IUML in the assembly elections. Earlier, Vanitha League leaders Kamarunnisa Anwar and Noorbina Rasheed were fielded from Kozhikode in 1996 and 2021 respectively, but both could not win.

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After Ms Anwar’s defeat in 1996, the party did not field another female candidate in parliamentary elections for almost 25 years. Over time, however, the IUML’s approach to women in public life began to evolve, shaped by changing social realities and the increasing visibility of women in politics.

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Traditionally influenced by conservative religious positions, the IUML has often faced criticism from orthodox sections for bringing women into public political roles. While such resistance still exists in a subdued form, the party leadership has increasingly accepted women’s participation in public life. The 50% reservation for women in local government institutions further strengthened their presence and made inclusion inevitable.

Under state president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, known for his relatively liberal outlook, the IUML fielded two female candidates for the first time in this election. Ms Thahiliya’s energetic campaign and approachable image helped defeat a veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) leader like Mr Ramakrishnan.

However, the party’s other candidate, Jayanthi Rajan, lost to RJD candidate PK Rajeevan in Koothuparamba by 1,286 votes.

While the IUML has long faced criticism for not fielding women in strong or winnable constituencies, Ms Thahiliya’s victory challenged that perception and marked a clear shift in the narrative.

Noorbina Rasheed, who was contesting from Kozhikode in 2021, was considered insufficient in the party for this election. This time she opposed Ms. Tahiliy’s candidacy and questioned her suitability. However, Ms Thahiliya’s victory not only proved her critics wrong, but also signaled a possible expansion of space for women in the party’s electoral framework.

In a parallel development, Mr. Thangal had earlier taken a major step during the local body elections by appointing AP Smiji, daughter of former Malappuram district panchayat president late AP Unnikrishnan, as vice president of Malappuram district panchayat. This was another indication that IUML is gradually accepting women in leadership roles.

Published – 04 May 2026 20:57 IST