KOZHIKODE : The thumping victory in the Malappuram Lok Sabha bypoll has heralded a new political dimension for IUML’s seasoned leader P K Kunhalikutty. With vast experience in crafting strategic moves, the warhorse will spearhead the party in national politics.
The IUML had rightfully selected Kunhalikutty as the candidate knowing there was no better person to take on the mantle of the late MP E Ahamed. Beginning his political career as an activist of the Muslim Students’ Federation, the party’s students’ wing, Kunhalikutty has weathered many a storm in his political career.
At one point of time, he faced a bleak future when his political opponents stirred up a storm in connection with the Ice-Cream Parlour case. But he fought the odds in the right spirit to make a strong comeback.
Except for a lone debacle in the 2006 Assembly elections when he lost to LDF’s K T Jaleel in Kuttippuram, Kunhalikutty has always tasted victory.
Affectionately called Kunhaappa by Malappuram residents, he won the Assembly polls in 1982, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2011 and 2016.
Born to Mohammed Haji and Fathima Kutty on June 1, 1951, he became the blue-eyed boy of the Panakkad family after displaying political acumen and charisma upon being elected Malappuram Municipality chairman in 1980. His real break came in 1991 when he was made the Industries Minister in the K Karunakaran Ministry.