THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Muslim Youth League state president Munavar Ali Shihab Thangal is likely to be the UDF candidate for the Manjeswaram by-poll which is due following the demise of the sitting MLA P B Adbul Razak.
Munavar Ali is the son of the late Panakkad Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal who was considered the moderate face and the last word in Muslim League politics of the state.
The close margin in the last elections and the BJP’s assertiveness following the Sabarimala issue are the major reasons for the Muslim League leadership considering a heavyweight candidate to contest from the seat.
Another important factor is the ensuing talks between the two major Sunni factions, EK and AP group and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliar was always considered to be close to the CPM and the Left movement.
The Muslim League leadership knows for sure if the alliance of EK and AP factions takes place and with hardcore leaders like Jiffri Muthukoya Thangal leading the Samastha, the candidature of Munavar Ali will be a trump card for the beleaguered League leadership as it cannot afford to lose the by-elections.
Muslim League All India General secretary P K Kunhalikutty said,
“The party has not yet started any discussions on the subject and has not zeroed on any candidate and these are early days.”