IUML says cadres pushing for second ministerial berth

IUML on Thursday handed over a letter authorising Papanasam MLA M Shahjahan for induction into the TVK-led state cabinet, while revealing that its party cadres have strongly pushed for a second ministerial berth.

Meanwhile, Vidhuthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), which has also received an invitation from TVK to join the cabinet, confirmed its willingness to take part in the cabinet. Speaking to reporters, party chief Thirumavalavan said that the party will recommend legislator Vanni Arasu's name for the induction.

Sources said that both Vanni Arasu and Shahjahan will be inducted into the Cabinet on May 22.

Speaking to reporters after a three-hour high-level committee meeting of the party's state unit, IUML national president K M Kader Mohideen stated that while the party has officially accepted the initial offer of one cabinet post, a major segment of the deliberation focused on securing representation for both its elected legislators.

''We have two MLAs in the Assembly. A significant portion of today's discussions revolved around why we should not request two cabinet portfolios instead of one. Taking that feedback into account, we have decided to first send our initial nominee, and we will subsequently pursue the matter of a second ministerial berth with the Chief Minister,'' Mohideen said.

The state leadership was uniquely authorised to make the selection after consultations with the IUML National Political Advisory Committee (PAC) led by Sayeed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and National General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty.

Mohideen emphasised that the party's initial support for the TVK administration was completely unconditional, and the invitation to join the government was extended gracefully by the ruling party without any prior demands from the IUML.

''We did not put forward any conditions or demands to the new government. However, the TVK leadership magnanimously approached us with an offer to join the ministry. While we accept this honour, we are also placing a request through the media for an additional portfolio in the future,'' the veteran leader added.

Responding to queries regarding its existing relationship with the DMK, Mohideen clarified that the decision to join the government is focused entirely on administrative participation rather than a long-term electoral alliance. He further disclosed that DMK President M K Stalin had reached out to him via telephone earlier in the morning to extend his congratulations and well-wishes on the move.

When asked how the party would balance its role in government, given the DMK's stance as an active opposition planning public agitations, Mohideen stated that the IUML's immediate duty on the treasury benches would be to defend the administration's policies, while continuing to constructively point out shortcomings, if any arise.

Decisions regarding future electoral alignments for local body or parliamentary elections will be taken up when the respective election schedules are announced, the party confirmed.

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