A Malappuram realtor family has made local administration its monopoly, voters don't mind

While independent collectives make a mark in local governance, a family in Malappuram has, for decades, been an influential political force. Members of the Pacheeri family have been permanent faces in various panchayat committees in previous terms. This time, it's no different.

Five members are candidates from different wards this time, including a husband and wife. For Perinthalmanna, this is far from surprising; three to four members had served as councillors in most previous councils of Perinthalmanna municipality. 

Rival political fronts once accused the family of practising “family politics,” attempting to portray their multiple candidacies as an attempt to monopolise local governance. But residents eventually overturned that argument themselves, demanding Pacheeri candidates due to their record in ward development and local administration. 

In the upcoming polls, three-time councillor Nisha Subair seeks a fourth term from Ward 34 (Thottakkara); her husband Subair Pacheeri contests from Ward 14 (Kuttippara); Surayya Farooq, wife of Subair’s brother, contests from Ward 15 (Kovilakampadi); Hussaina Nasar, daughter-in-law of Subair’s father’s brother, is the candidate in Ward 4 (Mundath); and Nazeema Firoz, wife of Subair’s elder brother, represents Ward 30 (Kavungal Paramba). Nisha and Subair are UDF candidates, while the others are fielded by UDF ally Indian Union Muslim League.

Traditionally a family of businessmen and realtors, the Pacheeris have been active in politics for generations. While men entered the arena long ago, most women joined after marriage. “Until marriage, none of us were involved in politics. But after coming into this family, seeing the men deeply engaged at the grassroots level, we were encouraged to join,” says Surayya.

At present, the municipality has four councillors from the family—Nisha representing Ward 26 (Thottakkara), Farooq Pacheeri in Ward 15 (Kovilakampadi), Hussaina Nazar in Ward 5 (Kulirmala), and Haseena K C in Ward 16 (Olinkara). The 2015–20 council also had five Pacheeri members.

“The support from the locality is what keeps bringing us back,” says Subair. “Our ancestors were prominent League leaders, and the legacy continues.” Nisha has held Thottakkara since 2010, converting what was once a CPM stronghold into a secure UDF bastion. “I even thought of stepping back this time, but the people insisted,” she says. She recalls entering politics when her younger son was just two-and-a-half years old, relying on a neighbour for childcare. “In fact, he is now more attached to his foster mother,” she smiles. “Balancing everything is hard, but possible. We don’t neglect either family or responsibilities,” she adds. 

Although most candidates campaign with their families, the Pacheeris instead disperse across wards with support from party workers. Nisha lives in Ward 15, where Surayya is contesting. Surayya has won both elections she previously contested, while Farooq has won three out of four attempts. Subair is contesting for the third time after two defeats. With Perinthalmanna now under CPM rule, Nisha predicts a shift this time. “People want change, and we are confident the UDF will return strongly.”

Despite belonging to one family, the members emphasise that their campaigns and responsibilities are separate. “We never compete against each other. We meet and collaborate when necessary, but each of us handles our own ward,” says Surayya. Hussaina, contesting for the fourth time, believes repeated victories reflect voter satisfaction. “Maybe they feel they are benefiting from our work,” she says. Starting her journey as a Women’s League office bearer, she stresses the importance of balance. “Family understands the demands of politics, and we manage both sides together," she said.

The younger generation, however, appears uninterested in politics for now, choosing careers in studies, business, and professional fields. “They see the workload and say they don’t want this life,” Hussaina laughs.

Local leaders also dismiss the criticism of family dominance. Sheriff, Youth League mandalam treasurer, recalls: “In 2010, when five members were fielded, opponents claimed the local body was being turned into a family affair. But when they won CPM-held seats and delivered visible development, doubts disappeared—even within the party. Later, people themselves demanded their candidature again.” He adds that the family’s size, capability and proven record make them strong and popular choices. “Their work, especially by Nisha, Hussaina and Surayya, made them indispensable to both voters and party leadership.”