MALAPPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan faced severe criticism from UDF ally Muslim League in a meeting held on Sunday. Few league leaders criticised Satheesan for showing authoritarian instincts and blamed him for worsening the Anvar issue amidst a crucial by-poll.

Many others pointed out about Muslim League facing unprecedented neglect from UDF like never before under Satheesan's watch. Albeit his good rapport with Satheesan, even veteran leader Kunhalikutty acknowledged the criticism and termed it serious. Muslim League leaders, in a sly warning to UDF leadership, hinted about taking an alternate route if the issues were to remain unsolved. The leaders are awaiting a meeting with AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal to mend things within the alliance.

Key leaders including KM Shaji and MK Muneer raised the criticism.

From the meeting:

“Satheesan is the only one to blame for prolonging the issue with Anvar. Earlier there was a belief with alliance partners that things would get solved if the League intervened. The belief has been lost with the recent actions of the opposition leader. The alliance should have thought about the crucial test in 2026. All the politicking has now tainted the chances.”

Amidst the hullabaloo, P V Anvar is likely to file his nomination tomorrow. The Trinamool Congress has allowed the party symbol to Anvar for contesting in the Nilambur by-polls.