IUML leader Muneer says he is not seeking post amid UDF tensions

Indian Union Muslim League leader M.K. Muneer has said he does not seek political positions amid tensions within Kerala’s ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front over his reported appointment to a Cabinet-rank post. Speaking to journalists in Kozhikode, Muneer said he had learned of the Cabinet’s decision through media reports and had not been officially informed.

The Cabinet appointed him chairperson of the State Administrative Reforms Commission at its latest meeting. Muneer said he did not regard the position as ceremonial or as a post created to accommodate someone. He added that he would accept the IUML’s decision, whether the party asked him to take up the role or remain at home.

The appointment has caused disagreement within the UDF. UDF convener Adoor Prakash said earlier that he had not been informed about the Cabinet’s decision to appoint Muneer and Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan to two positions carrying Cabinet rank.

Muneer said UDF chairperson and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Prakash should discuss the matter and resolve it. He also said protests against ministers were natural, arguing that the important issue was how such demonstrations were handled rather than suppressed.

Muneer, a former MLA and minister, did not contest the 2026 Assembly election. The administrative reforms commission had previously been headed by former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government, but the position was absent during the second government.

Addressing the UDF’s setback in recent local-body by-elections, Muneer said the government had been in office for only four months. He said the results should not be treated as an assessment of its performance.