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Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan presenting an award in memory of IUML leader Syed Abdurrahman Bafaqi Thangal to the former MLA M.K. Muneer in Kozhikode on Tuesday. IUML State president Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal and Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty are seen. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has alleged that “some people with ulterior motives” had tried to create enmity between communities in Keralam in the past five years.

He was delivering a speech after presenting an award in memory of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Syed Abdurrahman Bafaqi Thangal to the former Minister M.K. Muneer on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).

Mr. Satheesan also claimed that a few who professed “secular credentials” supported the attempt to create a rift between those communities too. “I am not taking any names... But, I can say that Panakkad Syed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal, IUML State president, was among those who resisted the move. The UDF’s spectacular victory in the Assembly election was a result of that resistance,” the Chief Minister claimed. Mr. Satheesan made these remarks while recalling Bafaqi Thangal’s contributions in maintaining harmony between various communities. Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, Mr. Thangal, and other IUML leaders were present at the event organised by the Koyilandy Assembly constituency unit of the Dubai Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre.

Earlier, the Chief Minister presented an award instituted in memory of industrialist and businessman P.V. Sami to M.P. Ahammed of the Malabar Group. Mr. Satheesan said that there was no need to perceive businessmen as enemies. He claimed that a large number of people among them were genuine taxpayers and were contributing to the development of the State. However, those involved in shady businesses would face strict action, Mr. Satheesan said. There were many things in common between politicians and businesspeople such as a long-term vision, focus on team work, and a keen observation of the market and the society, he added.

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