Tue Dec 23 18:30:25 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is protesting the Congress party’s unilateral announcement of two Deputy Mayor candidates for the Kochi Corporation within the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition. The IUML, feeling sidelined and entitled to the full term of the Deputy Mayor’s post, has formally demanded it. Negotiations are ongoing, with the possibility of the IUML withdrawing from the UDF at the district level if their concerns are not addressed.

News Article:

IUML Threatens UDF Exit Over Kochi Deputy Mayor Dispute

KOCHI, December 24, 2025 (The Hindu) — A rift has emerged within the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kochi as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has voiced strong opposition to the Congress party’s handling of the Deputy Mayor selection process for the Kochi Corporation.

The IUML, a key constituent of the UDF, alleges that Congress unilaterally announced two candidates for the Deputy Mayor position, slated to serve split terms, without adequate consultation with other members of the coalition. The IUML, which holds three councillor seats, has formally staked its claim to the full term of the Deputy Mayor’s office, citing its importance as the second major party within the UDF.

“The announcements should not have been made by the DCC (District Congress Committee) but by the UDF,” stated a senior IUML leader. “The tendency of the UDF being reduced to a one-party setup whenever the Congress secures a majority is often noticed statewide and is unacceptable.”

Negotiations are reportedly underway between the IUML state leadership and the UDF at the state level. However, the situation remains tense, and sources indicate that the IUML is considering withdrawing from the UDF at the district level if a resolution is not reached. A meeting of district-level IUML leaders is scheduled for Wednesday evening to discuss the next course of action. The dispute threatens to destabilize the UDF’s governance in Kochi Corporation.

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