Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Randathani row subsides as he reaffirms loyalty to IUML, Panakkad Thangal family

A controversy stirred up by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) State secretary Abdurahman Randathani, apparently over being denied an opportunity to contest the April 9 Assembly election, has subsided after he conveyed his concerns to the party leadership.

Mr. Randathani spoke over the phone with IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal, and later visited party district president Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal and Muslim Youth League State president Syed Munawwarali Shihab Thangal at Panakkad on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) night.

Mr. Randathani has also deleted his Facebook posts in which he had criticised the IUML leadership for choosing P.M.A. Sameer, financial director of party mouthpiece Chandrika, as the candidate in Tirurangadi.

CPI(M) offer

Following his Facebook posts expressing disillusionment with the leadership, both for denying him a seat and for selecting what he termed an “undeserving” candidate, the CPI(M) reached out to Mr. Randathani offering him the option to contest from a constituency of his choice as a Left Democratic Front(LDF)-backed Independent.

“I conveyed my thoughts candidly to the Thangals. When I shared my feelings on my Facebook wall about some being given seats while those who have worked responsibly for the party were sidelined, I did not intend to offend Syed Sadikali Thangal or anyone,” said Mr. Randathani.

The IUML leadership has reportedly assured Mr. Randathani that the concerns he raised will be looked into. Addressing the media here on Thursday (March 19, 2026), Syed Sadikali Thangal said the party faces no major issues and that Mr. Randathani will continue to remain with the party.

IUML sources said Mr. Randathani is expected to meet Mr. Thangal and party national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty soon to resolve the issues.

Facebook post deleted

After deleting his controversial posts, Mr. Randathani on Thursday shared on his Facebook wall a photograph of Syed Sadikali Shihab with his younger brother Syed Abbasali Shihab, along with their nephews Syed Basheerali Shihab, Syed Munawwarali Shihab, Syed Hameedali Shihab, Syed Rasheedali Shihab and Syed Mueenali Shihab.

The message he sought to convey was that he remains with the IUML, holds the Panakkad Syed Shihab family in the highest regard and respect.