IUML in Keralam throws its weight behind Malappuram bifurcation demand

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The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has openly backed the demand to bifurcate Malappuram, saying population should be the main criterion for creating new districts in Keralam.

IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam said on Monday that districts should be reorganised based on population to ensure an equitable distribution of government services and resources.

The statement comes amid reports of the government considering Muvattupuzha as a new district. The IUML had so far maintained a low profile on the demand to divide Malappuram.

Several organisations, including the Jamaat-e-Islami, Welfare Party of India, Solidarity Youth Movement, Social Democratic Party of India, Kerala Muslim Jamaat and the two factions of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, have also sought the bifurcation of Malappuram.

With a population of 41.3 lakh according to the 2011 Census, Malappuram is Kerala’s most populous district. Its population is estimated to be close to 48 lakh now. Spread over 3,550 sq km, the district has seven taluks, 16 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha constituencies.

“If population is the criterion, Malappuram has enough population to be divided into three districts,” Mr. Salam said.

He said the IUML was not seeking a district in any particular region. “Districts should be reorganised based on population. Otherwise, there will be discrimination in the allocation of resources,” he said.

The demand for bifurcation gained renewed momentum after the United Democratic Front (UDF) returned to power in May, with its Malappuram district unit also seeking the division of the district.

Malappuram district was formed in 1969. Mr. Salam questioned the disparity in the State’s administrative structure, pointing out that some districts with less than half Malappuram’s population have more taluks.

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