Indian Union Muslim League
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is a political party founded in 1948 with its principal electoral and organisational base in Kerala. It is a major constituent of the United Democratic Front and represents Kerala's Muslim community while participating in electoral politics and state governance.
Party President
Party History
- 1948Formation
The Indian Union Muslim League was formed in Madras in March 1948.
- 1952First electoral participation
The party participated in elections in the early years of the Indian Republic and established a durable political base in the Malabar region.
- 1960Kerala coalition politics
IUML became an important participant in Kerala coalition politics and later emerged as a significant constituent of the state's Congress-led alliances.
- 1979United Democratic Front
IUML became a constituent of the United Democratic Front in Kerala.
- 2004Union government representation
IUML entered the Union Council of Ministers through E. Ahamed, who served as Minister of State for External Affairs.
- 2019Lok Sabha election
IUML won both Lok Sabha seats it contested in Kerala.
- 2024Lok Sabha election
IUML contested three Lok Sabha seats in Kerala and won all three.
- 2026Kerala Assembly election
IUML won 22 Assembly seats and became part of the UDF government in Kerala.
- 2026Organisational restructuring
The party began a major organisational reshuffle under state president Sayed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal, implementing a one-person-one-position policy.
Top Leadership
- SSSayed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal
- PKP. K. Kunhalikutty
- ETE. T. Mohammed Basheer
- MPM. P. Abdussamad Samadani
Election Performance
(Lok Sabha)State-wise Strength
(1 states)- Kerala
Financial Overview
No financial statements on record.
Organisational Structure
A network reaching from the national council down to booth level.
Major Policies & Agenda
The party advocates economic, educational and social advancement of minorities.
IUML places strong emphasis on educational institutions, access to higher education and educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
The party supports representation and welfare policies for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
IUML participates in Kerala's secular coalition politics and advocates democratic and constitutional governance.
The party advocates employment opportunities, social security and welfare programmes.
Ideology & Vision
IUML seeks to advance educational, economic and social opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged communities through democratic and constitutional politics.
Alliances
- United Democratic Front (UDF)Current governing alliance in Kerala · since 1979
- Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)National opposition grouping · since 2023
Symbol & Colours
- Green
- White
Connect with IUML
Key Highlights
Past Presidents
(4)- Sayed Abdur Rahman Bafaqi Thangal – present
- Panakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal – present
- Panakkad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal – present
- Sayed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal – present
All information is sourced from official and public records.