Muslim League in Kerala throws challenge

IUML general secretary says the Congress could decide its affairs and the IUML too has the privilege to look after its business

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF), has decided to withdraw from the scheduled meeting on July 2 with the Congress party and indicated it could decide on the tie-up with the party.

IUML general secretary, ET Muhamed Basheer, today said that there was no point in a bilateral discussion as of now and the party had decided to convene a state secretariat meeting on July 4 to decide the party's stand on various issues including Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Ramesh Chennithala's negative remarks on the party.

Briefing the media after an emergency meeting to discuss the disparaging remarks by KPCC president on Sunday, Basheer said the party could decide on the continuance of the multi-party alliance.

Apart from Basheer, the meeting was presided over by the state president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal at his residence at Panakkad. It was attended by senior leader and industries minister PK Kunhalikutty and general secretary KPA Majeed.

''The Congress could decide its affairs and the IUML too has the privilege to look after its business,'' Basheer said.

In a memorial meeting for leader CK Govindan Nair in Kozhikode on Sunday, Chennithala said he admitted the former's view that if you concede their (IUML) demands today they will ask for more tomorrow.

Former KPCC president K Muraleedharan and state electricity minister Aryadan Mohammed, who were present, had appreciated Chennithala for the remarks.

Meanwhile, the Left Front had started an all-out effort demanding the resignation of Oommen Chandy. DYFI, AIYF and Yuva Morcha have launched a strong agitation against the chief minister and volunteers of these organisations blocked his motorcade at various locations, giving the police a tough time.