Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Kerala State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal has “backed” V.D. Satheesan as a possible chief ministerial candidate if the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is voted to power in Kerala.

Addressing the media in Malappuram on Thursday (April 30, 2026), he said the UDF would keep in mind “people’s sentiments” while choosing the Chief Minister. “I think Mr. Satheesan enjoys the highest amount of support as Chief Minister, or that is what is seen in most of the exit poll surveys. That means people have given their verdict that way... The Congress High Command is supposed to take a final decision on this. I think they will also consider the people’s sentiments,” he said in reply to a question.