IUML leader Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal (File photo/Facebook) NEW DELHI: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal on Sunday made it clear that the party would back whichever decision the Congress takes on its chief ministerial candidate, a day before votes will be counted for the Kerala assembly elections held on April 9.“We do not have any particular opinion on the chief ministerial candidate. We will stand by the decision taken by the Congress high command. That has been the precedent. Everybody expects a UDF wave. All exit polls predict a UDF victory. We believe so, too., he told reporters in Malappuram. The IUML is a key constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which exit polls have projected to unseat the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and return to power after a decade.  Thangal’s remarks followed comments from senior IUML leader MK Muneer, who also stressed that the decision on the chief ministerial candidate rests with the Congress high command.“The (leadership) decision has to be made by their (Congress’) high command. The UDF has full confidence that the final decision will be unanimous and accepted by all constituents. Congress has capable leadership and a decision could be taken without delay after the election results are announced,” Muneer told reporters in Kochi on Saturday. Reports suggest that the leading contenders for the chief minister’s post include Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, leader of opposition in the Kerala assembly VD Satheesan, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Venugopal serves as a Lok Sabha MP, while Satheesan and Chennithala have both contested key assembly seats in Kerala.(With PTI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIAF Rescues Two Children Stranded On Water Tank in Siddharthnagar, UP Using Mi-17 HelicopterMassive Fire in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar Building, 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue in ShahdaraPune Child Rape-Murder Sparks Protests, Highway Blocked Near Navale Bridge‘Reminder To Those Who Misuse State Power’: Pawan Khera Jabs Assam CM After SC Anticipatory BailUS Retains India on Special 301 Priority Watch List, Flags Patent Regime, Enforcement GapsCourt Rejects Nida Khan’s Anticipatory Bail in TCS Nashik Harassment and Conversion CaseCensus 2027 To Begin In UP From May 2026 With 5 Lakh Personnel, & Caste Data InclusionHome Minister Amit Shah Meets Sonam Wangchuk & Other Leaders in Leh Ahead Of TalksChhattisgarh IED Blast Kills 4 DRG Personnel During Defusal Operation Near Kanker-Narayanpur BorderIndia-Bound LPG Tanker Sarv Shakti On The Move Across Strait Of Hormuz: Why It Matters?123PhotostoriesFrom firing near Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe to Bishnoi gang’s warning: All you need to know about the ongoing controversyAkshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor: Celebs who love pulling pranks on co-stars17-year-old ‘Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025′: 7 stunning photosPrincess Charlotte celebrates 11th birthday: 5 interesting facts about the Princess who’s an equal in the league of Queen Elizabeth II7 life lessons from Sundar Pichai that actually apply to your everyday lifeHow to make South Indian Onion Uttapam for Sunday breakfastRoyal deja vu! 5 times Queen Camilla’s wardrobe looked strikingly similar to Princess Diana’s10 beautiful and unique baby girl names with the letter “S”’The Devil Wears Prada 2’: Emily Blunt’s most iconic moments123Hot PicksAssam key constituenciesKerala key constituenciesPuducherry election resultsTamil Nadu constituenciesAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingUS Germany relationsBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

IUML leader Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal (File photo/Facebook) NEW DELHI: Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal on Sunday made it clear that the party would back whichever decision the Congress takes on its chief ministerial candidate, a day before votes will be counted for the Kerala assembly elections held on April 9.“We do not have any particular opinion on the chief ministerial candidate. We will stand by the decision taken by the Congress high command. That has been the precedent. Everybody expects a UDF wave. All exit polls predict a UDF victory. We believe so, too., he told reporters in Malappuram. The IUML is a key constituent of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), which exit polls have projected to unseat the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and return to power after a decade. Thangal’s remarks followed comments from senior IUML leader MK Muneer, who also stressed that the decision on the chief ministerial candidate rests with the Congress high command.“The (leadership) decision has to be made by their (Congress’) high command. The UDF has full confidence that the final decision will be unanimous and accepted by all constituents. Congress has capable leadership and a decision could be taken without delay after the election results are announced,” Muneer told reporters in Kochi on Saturday. Reports suggest that the leading contenders for the chief minister’s post include Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, leader of opposition in the Kerala assembly VD Satheesan, and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala. Venugopal serves as a Lok Sabha MP, while Satheesan and Chennithala have both contested key assembly seats in Kerala.(With PTI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIAF Rescues Two Children Stranded On Water Tank in Siddharthnagar, UP Using Mi-17 HelicopterMassive Fire in Delhi’s Vivek Vihar Building, 9 Dead as Rescue Operations Continue in ShahdaraPune Child Rape-Murder Sparks Protests, Highway Blocked Near Navale Bridge‘Reminder To Those Who Misuse State Power’: Pawan Khera Jabs Assam CM After SC Anticipatory BailUS Retains India on Special 301 Priority Watch List, Flags Patent Regime, Enforcement GapsCourt Rejects Nida Khan’s Anticipatory Bail in TCS Nashik Harassment and Conversion CaseCensus 2027 To Begin In UP From May 2026 With 5 Lakh Personnel, & Caste Data InclusionHome Minister Amit Shah Meets Sonam Wangchuk & Other Leaders in Leh Ahead Of TalksChhattisgarh IED Blast Kills 4 DRG Personnel During Defusal Operation Near Kanker-Narayanpur BorderIndia-Bound LPG Tanker Sarv Shakti On The Move Across Strait Of Hormuz: Why It Matters?123PhotostoriesFrom firing near Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe to Bishnoi gang’s warning: All you need to know about the ongoing controversyAkshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Ajay Devgn, Ranbir Kapoor: Celebs who love pulling pranks on co-stars17-year-old ‘Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025′: 7 stunning photosPrincess Charlotte celebrates 11th birthday: 5 interesting facts about the Princess who’s an equal in the league of Queen Elizabeth II7 life lessons from Sundar Pichai that actually apply to your everyday lifeHow to make South Indian Onion Uttapam for Sunday breakfastRoyal deja vu! 5 times Queen Camilla’s wardrobe looked strikingly similar to Princess Diana’s10 beautiful and unique baby girl names with the letter “S”’The Devil Wears Prada 2’: Emily Blunt’s most iconic moments123Hot PicksAssam key constituenciesKerala key constituenciesPuducherry election resultsTamil Nadu constituenciesAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingUS Germany relationsBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

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