IUML fields 2 sitting Lok Sabha members

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second biggest ally of the Congress-led United Democratic Front in Kerala, on Saturday announced its decision to field sitting MPs from two seats for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

IUML supremo Hyderali Shihab Thangal told the media here that P.K. Kunhalikutty will contest from the Malappuram seat and E.T. Mohammed Basheer from the Ponnani seat.

Kunhalikutty, a former state minister, contested from Malappuram following the sudden demise of sitting member E. Ahamed in 2017. He won a huge victory then, and this time is facing young Communist Party of India-Marxist candidate and All India Students' Federation of India President V.P. Sanu, who is having his first outing in an election.

Basheer, also a former state minister, had won from Ponnani in 2009 and 2014. This time he is pitted against Left-supported Independent candidate P.V. Anwar, a sitting legislator. - IANS