THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Muslim League has asked Congress high command to actively engage K Muraleedharan in the upcoming assembly election activities, as his cold war with the party leadership is ongoing. Muraleedharan was interested to contest in the election but the state leadership and high command decided not to field sitting MPs this time which disappointed the senior leader.

Congress leaders hold the view that senior leaders including party chief Rahul Gandhi must talk with Muraleedharan, address his concerns and give him election responsibilities. Even though he was active during the local body polls, now he is sitting silent. Muraleedharan is way ahead compared to other Congress leaders from Malabar region in terms of popularity. Therefore, the League thinks that he should be actively engaged to counter CPM in the region.

Muraleedharan has said that he will only engage in poll campaign activities in Vadakara region. He has abstained from Chennithala’s Aishwarya Kerala yatra. With this, League has entered into the forefront for him. League has told the high command that without Muraleedharan UDF cannot win from Malabar region. League leaders have also told that there is no other leader who can inspire the party workers in Malabar.

Even though the senior leader’s spat with state leadership of Congress is well known, Muralidharan has always maintained amicable ties with Muslim League leaders. He has also attended League programme to commemorate E Ahammed’s death anniversary. The problems between Muraleedharan and KPCC which erupted during the local body polls still exists unresolved. He has not made any open statement till now, due to strict directions from high command.