KOZHIKODE: Over the years, the Muslim League has tightened its grip in Kozhikode Municipal Corporation with impressive performances in past elections.
It was the systematic work at ground level and developmental work in the wards funded by Dr M.K Muneer’s MLA fund made this possible for the League.
However a section of followers believe that denial of ticket to Deputy Opposition Leader in the Council K.Muhammedali could affect the Muslim League’s prospects in the upcoming polls.
In 2005 elections, out of the 55 wards, the League fielded candidates in 14 seats in which they could manage only three seats.
However in the 2010 polls, they bettered their position by winning 13 out of 19 seats (an INL councillor also later switched to IUML). K.Muhammedali, who was the Muslim League Kozhikode South General Secretary and Deputy Opposition Leader in the Council, was instrumental in helping the League winning record number of seats.
Almost one year before the elections, the League started ground work by conducting padayatra and campaigns and the performance even won praises from the state leadership.
Though the Congress was the main opposition party, it was Muhammedali who was the spearhead in the staunch attacks carried out by the UDF in the council.
He also played a crucial role of mediator when the Congress councillors indulged in group fights in the Council. However, long term rivalry with the League district leadership costs him his seat. “I am not a seat aspirant and I have my own policies which I cannot compromise upon,” says Muhammedali.
Though Congress and JD(U) strongly demanded to give seat for him, the League leadership refused it. The League leadership has now the responsibility to maintain the present seats and also to perform well in order to tackle ‘Muhammedali effect’.
