KOZHIKODE: Koduvally will be witnessing a unique political fight this Assembly election with all three fronts fielding candidates belonging to the Muslim community. IUML former district president M A Razaq Master, Koduvally block panchayat former president Karat Razak and BJP Minority Morcha district president Ali Akbar are in the fray here.
A Muslim stronghold and bastion of IUML in Kozhikode, Koduvally was never in the limelight, except in 2006, when LDF independent P T A Raheem won here after he left the IUML. LDF, which is experimenting with several non-party candidates this election, has extended support to former IUML leader Karat Razak in this Assembly segment.
The front is eying both Muslim and IUML votes by fielding the IUML rebel, who claims strong influence among Muslim groups here. “Being a political leader, I have been maintaining good relations with all Muslim leaders. In fact, my candidature was announced after their strong support was ensured in the fight against the corruption by IUML leaders,” Razak said.
Muslims consist around 60 per cent of the population here, while Hindus and Christians stand at 32 and eight per cent respectively.
Citing a host of facts, M A Razaq Master said that the final hurrah would be with the UDF. “The LDF candidate hasn’t been offered support from even a ward committee of IUML,” he said. IUML highlights the charity activities being taken up by Razaq Master in Kozhikode district. He is the general secretary of CH Centre, the charity wing of IUML.
Functionaries of BJP, which has fielded Muslim candidates at Malappuram and Nilambur constituencies, expect a better performance in Koduvally.
“The party is gaining influence among the minorities. The party will benefit from this positive change,” said BJP district president T P Jayachandran Master.
