Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Ali’s sixth-term bid faces hurdle in Mankada as LDF weighs support for IUML rebel

A rebellion is brewing within the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in the Mankada constituency, with growing dissent against its sitting MLA Manjalamkuzhi Ali, who is seeking a sixth consecutive term in the Assembly.

The internal rift has come to the fore with the IUML’s former constituency president, Kunnath Mohammed, entering the fray as an Independent candidate against Mr. Ali. His move is widely seen as a direct challenge to the IUML leadership in the constituency.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF), which had earlier announced M.P. Alavi as its candidate, is now reportedly reconsidering its strategy. Mr. Alavi’s campaign has yet to take off, and his candidature appears to be in limbo, signalling that the LDF may consider backing the IUML rebel to consolidate anti-Ali votes.

Party sources said the leadership is weighing all options, including Mr. Mohammed’s winnability, before arriving at a final decision.

Mr. Ali, a seasoned politician, had earlier enjoyed LDF support, winning from Mankada in 2001 and 2006. After switching sides in 2010, he joined the IUML and went on to secure consecutive victories in 2011 and 2016 from Perinthalmanna and in 2021 from Mankada. He also served as Minister for Urban Affairs and Welfare of Minorities in the Oommen Chandy Ministry from 2012 to 2016.

Dissatisfaction over tenure

Dissatisfaction over Mr. Ali’s prolonged tenure appears to have triggered the revolt. Filing his nomination on Saturday, Mr. Mohammed said he would seek support from any political front, including the CPI(M) and BJP, to defeat Mr. Ali. He said he would reveal the reasons for his rebel move on Sunday.

Adding a personal dimension to the contest, K. Alikutty Musliar, general secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama and Mr. Mohammed’s uncle, provided the security deposit for his nomination. Several family members and local supporters have echoed the sentiment that it is time for a leadership change in Mankada.

“We have no personal issues with Mr. Ali. But he has been in office for long, and it is time he stepped aside. There are many capable young leaders within the IUML who deserve an opportunity,” said Mohammed Ali, a relative of Mr. Mohammed, reflecting a growing chorus within the constituency.

With political equations shifting and the possibility of cross-front support emerging, Mankada is shaping up for an unusually complex and closely watched contest.