Malappuram: Soon after UDF’s poll debacle, strong criticism was raised against veteran Muslim League leader P K Kunhalikutty through social media. However, only a mixed response came from Panakkad regarding the matter.
Even party workers were of the opinion that Muslim League national general secretary Kunhalikutty contesting the assembly polls after resigning as MP resulted in the setback. Several trolls and criticism were circulated on social media regarding this.
Muslim Youth league state president Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal supported Kunhalikutty while Moeen Ali Shihab Thangal, son of Muslim League national vice president and state president Hyderali Shihab Thangal, criticised him.
Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal opined that Kunhalikutty’s return was not the reason for poll debacle. His return caused only an energy in the UDF camps. The election result was due to the Left wave that swept Kerala. Muslim League can function as an effective opposition, Munavvar Ali said.
Meanwhile, Moeen Ali Shihab Thangal said that what he said earlier has been proved Right. ‘When I criticised Kunhalikutty’s frequent change of decisions, all blamed me. But now they are appreciating me for the right opinion,’ Moeen Ali said.
When asked if Kunhalikutty returned to Kerala on the direction of the party, Moeen Ali said that when a decision is taken, it is considered as party decision but Kunhalikutty has a great role in arriving at that decision. He added that Kunhalikutty is a political strategist and can continue leading the Muslim League and the UDF.