Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: IUML bets on youth, ushers in generational shift
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership led by State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal has sought to quell internal criticism by ushering in a generational shift through its candidate list for the April 9 Assembly election. The announcement of candidates on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) surprised many, particularly critics within the party, as it reflected a conscious move to infuse young blood into its legislative ranks. For months, younger members had been quietly demanding greater representation, and the list of the 25 candidates appears to address those concerns. Breaking from expectations of retaining most of its 15 sitting MLAs, whose average age is above 63, the party introduced 11 new faces, including six young leaders, two women and one non-Muslim candidate. The move was widely welcomed by party workers, especially the youth. Notable picks Among the notable picks are Fathima Tahilia for Perambra, T.P. Ashraf Ali for Kondotty, P.K. Firoz for Koduvally, V.K. Faisal Babu for Kozhikode South and P.K. Navas for Tanur. All of them represent the party’s younger leadership. “We have considered …






