Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has alleged that attempts were made over the past five years to create enmity between different communities in the state. He said some people with “ulterior motives” tried to create divisions, while some who claimed to have “secular credentials” also supported such efforts.
Satheesan made the remarks in Kozhikode on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, while speaking at an event where he presented an award instituted in memory of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Syed Abdurrahman Bafaqi Thangal to former minister M.K. Muneer.
Satheesan Praises IUML Leader Sadiqali Shihab Thangal
Satheesan credited IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal with resisting attempts to create divisions between communities in Kerala.
“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,” Satheesan said.
He also linked the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) victory in the recent Assembly election to this resistance.
“The UDF’s spectacular victory in the Assembly election was a result of that resistance,” he claimed.
Satheesan was speaking about the contributions of Bafaqi Thangal, an influential IUML leader who, according to the Chief Minister, worked to maintain harmony between different communities.
Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, Sadiqali Shihab Thangal and other IUML leaders attended the event organised by the Koyilandy Assembly constituency unit of the Dubai Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre.
Satheesan Says Genuine Businesses Should Not Be Targeted
Earlier at the event, Satheesan presented an award instituted in memory of industrialist and businessman P.V. Sami to M.P. Ahammed of the Malabar Group.
The Chief Minister said businessmen should not automatically be viewed as enemies. He said many business owners were genuine taxpayers and contributed to Kerala’s development.
However, he warned that the government would take strict action against those involved in illegal or suspicious business activities.
“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,” Satheesan said.
