Panakkad Sayed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal, State president of the Indian Union Muslim League, has made it clear that the party is not seeking any positions, but will not turn down those offered as part of a coalition understanding.

In an interaction with the editorial board of Malayala Manorama in Malappuram, he also expressed confidence in a strong showing by the United Democratic Front in the upcoming elections. Excerpts from the interview.

Q: The Leader of the Opposition says the UDF will win 100 seats. What share does the League anticipate in that tally?
A: The United Democratic Front is set for a strong victory. The League is contesting in 27 seats and this is expected to be its best performance yet. The unity of the UDF will be a decisive factor in securing victory this time.

Q: What gives you this confidence?
A: There is a strong public sentiment in favour of a change in government. This was evident in the four Assembly by-elections as well as the local body polls. Traditionally, the Left Front has performed well in local elections, but this time there was a noticeable shift. It clearly indicates a growing disconnect between the government and the people.

Q: If the UDF comes to power, there will be discussions on the Chief Minister’s post. Who does the League prefer?
A: The Congress is contesting the election under collective leadership. If the coalition comes to power, the party's high command will decide on the Chief Minister. The League will stand by that decision.

Q: There is widespread talk of the League being offered the Deputy Chief Minister’s post. Is that true?
A: The League has never demanded the post of Deputy Chief Minister. At the same time, it will not reject any position being offered as part of the coalition understanding.

Q: The League’s candidate selection shows a clear generational shift. How did this come about?
A: The decision was taken after a detailed assessment of the performance of MLAs, both inside and outside the Assembly, as well as their standing in their constituencies. In non-sitting seats, extensive surveys were conducted to evaluate winnability. The entire process was carried out with meticulous preparation and due time. It has also been clearly conveyed that the performance of those elected will be closely monitored by the party.

Q: The State general secretary and the Malappuram district general secretary are not contesting this time. Is the “one person, one post” norm being enforced more strictly now?
A: The norm has always been in place, but it could not be implemented strictly due to various reasons. It will now be enforced. The party has many leaders, and it is important to accommodate everyone.

Q: There are attempts at communal polarisation from various quarters. Is this pushing the League on the defensive?
A: It is true that such attempts have been made recently, particularly by the Left. The foundation of Kerala’s progress lies in its communal harmony, and it is the responsibility of governments to strengthen it. The Left had attempted polarisation ahead of the local body elections, but the people rejected it.

The League’s consistent policy has been to serve as a common platform within and between communities, encouraging dialogue. This approach will continue. The League will not support any move that undermines communal harmony.

Q: Do you think the Congress could have settled differences over candidate selection earlier? (more fluid)
A: The Congress is a large party and is contesting elections in several states. The high command has to make decisions across these, so some delay is natural. Statements made in this context may have created an impression of a lack of unity. However, once the candidate selection was completed, everyone came together.

Q: The LDF is counting on its sitting MLAs’ popularity to secure another term. How do you respond
A: That is merely their assessment. What the people want is a change in government, and the verdict will reflect that sentiment. The popularity of sitting MLAs will not be a decisive factor. A tough contest will keep the League and the UDF alert; otherwise, there is always the risk of overconfidence. People have already made up their minds that Kerala’s growth has slowed down and that a change is necessary.