Elections – IUML Leadership Confident of Strong Comeback in Tamil Nadu
Elections – The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has expressed renewed confidence about its electoral prospects in Tamil Nadu, highlighting improved planning, grassroots support, and a continued alliance with the DMK.
The party leadership believes that lessons from previous elections and better organisational preparation will strengthen its performance in the upcoming polls. Speaking in an interaction, IUML president KM Khader Mohideen outlined the party’s position on funding challenges, representation, and broader political developments.
Funding constraints affected past performance
Reflecting on the 2021 Assembly elections, Mohideen acknowledged that financial limitations played a key role in the party’s inability to secure victories in the seats it contested. He pointed out that modern elections demand substantial spending, especially within alliances where each party bears its own campaign expenses.
According to him, the opposing side had a significant advantage, being in power at both the state and central levels, which enabled them to spend more aggressively. In contrast, IUML relied largely on modest contributions from supporters rather than large-scale fundraising within the community.
To address this issue, the party has now instructed its district units to mobilise funds specifically for election purposes. Mohideen said efforts are underway to ensure candidates receive adequate financial backing within the limits prescribed by the Election Commission.
Women’s participation remains under consideration
On the question of women’s representation, Mohideen emphasised that the party has already included women in leadership roles, including positions within its national executive committee. He said the organisation encourages women to participate actively in politics at various levels.
He revealed that the party had considered fielding women candidates if it received a larger number of seats within the alliance. However, with fewer seats currently allocated, the leadership plans to carefully assess constituencies before deciding whether to nominate women candidates.
Confidence in alliance support base
Addressing concerns about potential vote division due to the emergence of new political players, Mohideen maintained that the bond between the Muslim community and the DMK-led alliance remains strong. He said this relationship has been built over decades and is rooted in shared understanding of community issues.
He expressed confidence that the entry of new parties or individual leaders would not significantly weaken this support. According to him, voters are well aware of which alliances have consistently addressed their concerns, and this awareness will guide their decisions.
Representation and political climate in Tamil Nadu
On the broader issue of declining Muslim representation in legislatures across the country, Mohideen said the situation varies from state to state. However, he stressed that Tamil Nadu has traditionally maintained a culture of social harmony, where different communities coexist peacefully.
He dismissed the idea that political parties in the state avoid fielding Muslim candidates due to electoral concerns. In his view, such apprehensions are not prevalent in Tamil Nadu’s political environment, where inclusivity has long been part of the social fabric.
Response to recent controversy
Commenting on the controversy involving an IUML Member of Parliament’s visit to Thiruparankundram hill, Mohideen rejected allegations that the visit led to any inappropriate activity. He described claims regarding the consumption of non-vegetarian food at the site as baseless and part of a deliberate attempt to create tension.
He noted that local residents from both Hindu and Muslim communities did not support efforts to turn the issue into a communal dispute. The party, he said, deliberately chose not to escalate the matter in order to maintain peace. On related issues, IUML has stated it would abide by the court’s decision.
Views on political alignment and community stance
Mohideen also addressed the participation of some minority leaders in parties like the BJP. He said individual choices should not be interpreted as representing the views of the entire community.
He recalled past efforts by Muslim leaders to adopt a balanced and lawful approach to sensitive issues, noting that positions taken by IUML continue to reflect broader community interests. In Tamil Nadu, he added, the party’s stance is often seen as indicative of the community’s collective perspective.
Stand on global and domestic issues
Responding to criticism about selective reactions to international incidents, Mohideen said it is important to distinguish between different types of conflicts. He stated that the party has consistently opposed violence, regardless of where it occurs or which community is affected.
He reiterated that IUML supports the Indian government’s position on international matters and does not maintain a separate foreign policy. The party’s approach, he said, is guided by humanitarian principles.
Commitment to communal harmony
Looking ahead, Mohideen expressed optimism about the future of communal harmony in India. He described the country as unique in its diversity, where communities are deeply interconnected.
He affirmed that IUML remains committed to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence. According to him, the party’s guiding principle continues to emphasise both national belonging and religious identity, with a focus on maintaining social cohesion.