MALAPPURAM: Amid rumours of the Muslim League softening its stance with CPM, KPCC president K Sudhakaran and opposition leader V D Satheesan reached Panakkad and held talks with the League leadership. The visit came against the backdrop of a spat between Congress and League leaders over the invitation of the League to the CPM's Palestine solidarity rally.

Rapprochement was the need of the hour after K Sudhakaran’s “dog” remark served as an insult to injury for League leadership. V D Satheeshan reached Panakkad early morning on Tuesday while K Sudhakaran arrived late evening. Muslim League State President Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal conversed with the leaders for more than one hour. League National General Secretary PK Kunhalikutty, State Secretary PMA Salam, District President Sayyid Abbasali Shihab Thangal and Malappuram DCC President VS Joy were also present.

Meanwhile, League leadership pointed out the flubs committed by UDF as the alliance went late in condemning Israel's atrocities while CPM was far ahead with moves and even organised a solidarity march for Palestine. This also created a rift among league supporters as many of them softened their stance with CPM. Congress leaders pointed out that there has been no change in the policy of independent Palestine and also mentioned the Palestine Solidarity Convention organized by Malappuram DCC.

The League expressed its dissatisfaction with the sectarianism of the Congress in Malappuram. The league demanded that the issue be resolved as soon as possible in the wake of rumours that Aryadan Shoukat would be fielded as a left independent candidate in Ponnani. Congress assured that all problems in Malappuram affecting the League would be solved.

After the meeting, Sudhakaran said that there is a deep-rooted relationship between the League and the Congress.