Mindful of the possibility that the emerging rapprochement between the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam and the Nair Service Society (NSS) could trigger a broader consolidation of Hindu votes, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) appears to have strategically scaled back its long-standing demand for a larger share of seats within the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) for the coming Assembly polls.
Recognising that a polarisation led by these two influential community organisations could jeopardise its collective prospects, the party leadership is focussing instead on a pragmatic exchange of Assembly constituencies with UDF allies, including the Congress.
This seat-swap strategy targets specific areas where both the IUML and the Congress have faced consecutive electoral setbacks, aiming to field candidates who are better suited to the shifting demographic and social realities of those regions, party sources told The Hindu.
In the 2021 elections, the IUML was allotted 27 seats but contested only 25, ceding two to Independents as part of alliance adjustments. By winning 15 seats, the party recorded a comparatively high success rate — a performance it had argued, along with its showing in the recently held three-tier local body polls, strengthened its claim for a larger share of seats within the coalition.
While dialling back its pressure for additional seat allocations, the IUML is instead prioritising “winnability” through the exchange of a limited number of constituencies.
The electoral viability of constituencies was analysed during preliminary talks between the Congress and the IUML earlier this week. As part of the proposed swap, the IUML is willing to give up seats such as Punalur, Kalamassery, Kongad, and Thiruvambady, while seeking segments including Kochi, Thavanur, Eravipuram, and Pattambi in return.
The League appears to be using this calibrated strategy to expand its footprint in the State Assembly and in turn strengthen its bargaining power within the UDF should the alliance return to power.
IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam said the number of seats and the specific constituencies that the League would contest in would be decided after detailed discussions with the Congress. “So far, only preliminary talks have been held. The next round of talks will take place in the coming days,” Mr. Salam said.
“When it comes to exchange of seats, winnability will be the prime factor. Seats will be swapped accordingly,” he added.
The deliberate shift, according to party sources, is also aimed at managing perceptions that the League is accruing disproportionate political space within the coalition. It is further driven by alliance-level adjustments as a few newly inducted UDF constituents are expected to field candidates in the upcoming Assembly polls, largely from the Congress quota.
Published – January 23, 2026 07:50 pm IST
