Thiruvananthapuram/Wayanad, May 17 – In a landmark move, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has inducted two women into its national leadership for the first time since its inception in 1948. The historic appointment includes Jayanthi Rajan, a Dalit leader from Kerala’s Wayanad, and Fathima Muzaffer, a corporation councillor from Tamil Nadu.
Both leaders were selected as national assistant secretaries at a Thursday party event in Chennai. Muzaffer currently serves as the IUML’s National Women’s League president, while Rajan holds the position of joint secretary in the same wing.
A Necessary and Timely Move, Says Party Leadership
IUML Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab welcomed the development, terming it a “necessary” step in line with evolving societal norms. “There were no women in the national leadership till now. But times have changed, and society needs to reflect that change,” he said.He added that the move was part of a broader effort to enhance inclusivity and representation within the party. “We did it to ensure more opportunities for women in the party, even though we have a separate women’s wing,” Wahab stated.
When asked whether this was a step to counter the perception that the IUML is a male-dominated party, Wahab remarked that male dominance is common across global political parties. “We wanted to give women more opportunities, so we have started this,” he said.
A Historic Milestone for IUML and Its Women Leaders
Speaking on the occasion, Jayanthi Rajan described her induction as a “historic moment.” “It is for the first time that women have been selected to the party's national leadership in its over 75 years. I am pleased, and it is a proud moment for me,” she said.Rajan, who belongs to the Other Eligible Communities (OEC), has been involved in social work since 2008 and became actively engaged in politics after joining IUML in 2010. She noted that her entry into the party was initiated through her father-in-law, a local Congress leader who IUML approached with an offer for her to join.
Regarding her new responsibilities, Rajan said the party has yet to inform her about her specific duties at the national level.
According to Wahab, Fathima Muzaffer, the other appointee, is the daughter of a former IUML national president and MP.
Inclusivity and Representation at the Forefront
With this milestone, the IUML is taking a step forward in diversifying its leadership and creating space for women and marginalized communities. The party leadership has emphasized that such representation is essential for keeping pace with changing societal expectations and strengthening internal democracy.Rajan and Muzaffer's appointments are symbolic and mark a progressive shift in the party's approach to leadership and inclusivity.