The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest constituent of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and a key force behind the front’s landslide victory in the April 9 Assembly election, finds itself in a Catch-22 situation over the delay in finalising the State’s Chief Minister.

Though the IUML leadership has remained cautious and largely silent on the Congress’ internal tussle over the top post, discontent is steadily growing within the party over the way the issue is being handled. The perceived casual attitude of some Congress leaders, particularly Mathew Kuzhalnadan and M.M. Hassan, has reportedly irked sections of the IUML leadership.

A leadership meeting of the IUML, scheduled for Wednesday at State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal’s house at Panakkad, is expected to witness strong sentiments unless the Congress resolves the uncertainty by then.

“As a major UDF partner, we have already conveyed our preference when consulted on the Chief Minister selection. The decision rests with the Congress, and we will abide by it. But this delay has taken away much of the excitement and satisfaction of our victory,” said former IUML State general secretary K.P.A. Majeed.

While most IUML leaders have refrained from publicly criticising the Congress to avoid embarrassing an ally, some have begun voicing concern. Malappuram district general secretary P. Abdul Hameed said the prolonged delay had dimmed the sheen of the UDF’s victory, while State secretary Abdurahman Randathani warned that public disappointment would deepen if the uncertainty continued.

T.V. Ibrahim, MLA-elect from Vallikkunnu, described the delay as unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of the people’s mandate. “The situation is not good. People are upset, and we have no convincing answer to give them,” he said.

The IUML leadership believes the party’s contribution to the UDF’s victory is being overlooked. Beyond helping the front sweep all 16 Assembly seats in Malappuram district, the IUML’s organisational strength and support base played a decisive role in the victories of Congress candidates in constituencies such as Thrikkaripur, Thavanur, Ponnani, Palakkad, and Thrithala.

Within the IUML, there is also a growing perception that sections of the Congress leadership have become complacent after the party won 63 seats on its own, nearly three times the IUML’s tally. A recent statement by Mr. Kuzhalnadan against the IUML is being viewed as emblematic of that attitude.

Some IUML leaders recalled the relatively smooth tenure of the previous UDF government led by Oommen Chandy between 2011 and 2016, when the coalition governed with a slender majority of just two seats. They pointed out that the government’s formation had depended heavily on the IUML’s strategic role in wresting Perinthalmanna and Mankada from the Left, aided by Manjalamkuzhi Ali. Without those victories, they noted, the 2011 UDF government might never have come to power.