Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Vanitha League leader rebukes Noorbina’s criticism of Perambra candidate

Vanitha League founding leader and national vice-president K.P. Mariyumma has criticised former national general secretary Noorbina Rasheed for her remarks against Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate in Perambra, Fatima Thahiliya, clarifying that the comments were personal and does not reflect the organisation’s stand.

According to Ms. Mariyumma, Ms. Noorbina’s reaction appeared to stem from disappointment over being denied a seat in the April 9 Assembly election. “Her interests are personal, and her remarks violate the party’s discipline,” she said.

Ms. Noorbina had, at a press meet in Kozhikode on Thursday, announced her resignation as Vanitha League national general secretary, reportedly after being denied a ticket. She had also opposed the candidature of former Haritha leader Fatima Thahiliya in Perambra, stating that senior leaders who had built the organisation “through blood, sweat and tears” were being overlooked.

Dismissing these remarks as “unwarranted and irresponsible,” Ms. Mariyumma said they did not represent the views of the Vanitha League. “She spoke without consulting either the State or national leadership. These are her personal opinions,” she said.

Highlighting the party’s support for Ms. Noorbina over the years, Ms. Mariyumma pointed out that she had been given several key opportunities, including two terms as a member of the Kerala State Commission for Women, two terms as a councillor of the Kozhikode Corporation and a party ticket in the 2021 Assembly election. “She was even directly appointed State general secretary in 1997 without prior experience, which reflects the trust the party placed in her,” Ms. Mariyumma said.

Recalling the early years of the organisation, Ms. Mariyumma said she had led the formation of the first district unit of the Vanitha League in 1991, with P. Kulusu heading the Kozhikode unit the following year. “Leaders like us have far greater seniority, yet we stand firmly with the party’s decisions,” she said.

Hails IUML’s choice

She praised the IUML’s choice of candidate in Perambra, calling it a “bold and thoughtful decision.” “Fielding a young and dynamic leader like Fatima Thahiliya is a forward-looking move, and she is already making a strong impact,” Ms. Mariyumma said.

Emphasising the need to nurture emerging leaders, she said, “More capable and educated young women are coming up in the party. It is our responsibility to support and guide them, not to undermine them. What Ms. Noorbina has done goes against the principles of Vanitha League.”

She said that Vanitha League and IUML would not be weakened by the exit of a single leader. “History has shown us that institutions grow beyond individuals,” she said.

Expressing confidence in Ms. Thahiliya, Ms. Mariyumma said the candidate’s academic background and maturity gave her an edge. “She connects well with the people. It is our collective duty to stand by her and ensure her victory in this important election,” she said.