After more than 75 years since its formation in 1948, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has for the first time inducted two women — including a Dalit leader — into its national leadership.
Jayanthi Rajan, a Dalit politician from Kerala’s Wayanad district, and Fathima Muzaer, a councillor from Tamil Nadu, have been appointed as national assistant secretaries in the IUML’s central committee. Their induction was announced at a party event held in Chennai on Thursday.
While Muzaer also serves as the president of the IUML’s National Women’s League, Rajan is the joint secretary of the same.
IUML Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab called the move both “historic” and “necessary.”
“Now is the time for it. It is a necessary move. We did it to ensure more representation and opportunities for women in the party,” Wahab told PTI.
“Even though we have a women’s wing, we wanted to be in tune with the changing times and bring in more inclusivity.”
On being asked if this was a way to shift the party away from its male-dominated image, Wahab responded honestly, “All parties all over the world are male-dominated. We wanted to give women more opportunities. So we have started this.”
Jayanthi Rajan, who belongs to an Other Eligible Community (OEC), expressed pride and gratitude over her appointment.
“It is for the first time that women have been selected to the national leadership of the party in its over 75 years. It is a historic moment. I am very happy and it is a proud moment for me,” she said.
Rajan joined IUML in 2010, but had been active in social work since 2008. She shared that it was her father-in-law, a former Congress worker and local leader, who first introduced her to politics.
“IUML first approached him with an offer to make me a member,” she said. On her new responsibilities, Rajan noted that the party was yet to officially inform her about the specific duties.
Fathima Muzaer comes from a political background as well — she is the daughter of a former IUML national president and Member of Parliament.
This development signals IUML’s intent to reflect changing societal values and expand inclusivity across gender and caste lines. Party leaders said it also reaffirms IUML’s commitment to representation for marginalized communities like SC/STs and women in mainstream politics.
