MALAPPURAM: Ahead of the local body and Assembly elections, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is making intense efforts to resolve its rift with Samastha. Yesterday in Kozhikode, IUML state president Sadiqali Thangal, P.K. Kunhalikutty, and Samastha president Jifri Muthukoya Thangal led a reconciliation meeting that included ten leaders each from the pro- and anti-League factions within Samastha. The one-hour discussion, however, did not reach a decision on the key issue of the Coordination of Islamic Colleges (CIC). Talks will resume after two weeks.

Samastha leadership has tasked Sadiqali Thangal with holding discussions with the CIC governing council. The IUML is strategising to bring the UDF back to power in the upcoming Assembly elections and has assured the UDF of securing maximum seats. As part of strengthening its own position, the League leadership has stepped in to resolve disputes with Samastha, which is seen as a major vote bank.

During the reconciliation talks, Samastha reiterated its demand that the CIC system be brought under its control, posing a significant challenge for the League. Samastha has not softened its stance that either this demand must be met or Sadiqali Thangal must resign from the CIC chairmanship. After the meeting, Jifri Thangal stated that while many misunderstandings were cleared up, Samastha still insists on implementing its proposals regarding the CIC.

The League now faces a dilemma — conceding to Samastha’s demands over the CIC would mean relinquishing control of a body that has remained under the influence of the Panakkad Thangal family and League-aligned Samastha leaders since its formation in 2002. The CIC currently serves as a key instrument in overseeing religious education. At the same time, the League fears that if the dispute remains unresolved, the CPI(M) could exploit the situation politically.