IUML not bothered by remarks targeting party, says Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal

Kozhikode: IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Shihab Thangal on Friday said that the party has no concerns over recent remarks by leaders of certain community organizations targeting the party. He asserted that IUML trusted the secular mindset of the people of Kerala and would continue to uphold its tradition of communal harmony. He was responding to remarks by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who had said that Malappuram district was not anyone's private property. Thangal said that IUML has always stood for secularism and that IUML will never take a stand against secularism for the sake of a few votes. Responding to the SNDP's call for unity among various community organizations which reportedly excluded Muslims, Thangal said no one could sideline IUML, citing the recent entry to the party of a CPM district committee member in Kollam. "We are aware that the general mindset in Kerala is opposed to communalism and divisiveness. We have no concerns about such statements as the people of the state uphold the spirit of communal harmony and tolerance. They cannot be misled by such remarks," he said. Asked about seat sharing talks in UDF, Thangal said that the front has not entered into serious talks but will commence the talks after two days. Asked whether IUML and Congress would consider swapping seats that both parties had been losing in recent elections, Thangal said all issues would be discussed within the UDF, with the primary focus on winnability and bringing the front back to power. Asked about the UDF's tie-up with Welfare Party of India, Thangal said that there during the local body elections there some understandings had taken place between candidates during the polls and it had ended after the polls.