IUML calls for district reorganisation in Keralam based on population to ensure equal resource distribution

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) on August 24, 2026, called for reorganising districts in Kerala based on population to ensure equal resource distribution. This comes amidst renewed debate over the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district. The League has long advocated for a bifurcation of the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district, citing its growing population.

However, right-wing political groups have raised concerns about potential wider political implications. IUML Keralam general secretary P.M.A. Salam clarified that the League's demand is not for creating a district in a specific region, but rather for population-based reorganisation of existing districts. Salam emphasized that districts like Malappuram and Pathanamthitta, which have significantly larger populations, receive the same level of district-level facilities.

He stressed the need to address the issue of unequal resource allocation and suggested that districts with a population of 20 lakh have more taluks than Malappuram district. Salam emphasized that the League's stance should not be interpreted as a demand to split Malappuram alone or to create a new district with Tirur as its headquarters.

This statement came after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan acknowledged the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district, stating that the government would examine the issue. Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan had previously criticized the neglect of the region during the LDF government's 10-year rule and reiterated the demand for a separate district, which includes parts of eastern Ernakulam and low-lying areas of Idukki.

While the Chief Minister assured that the developmental backlog in Muvattupuzha would be addressed, Salam reiterated the League's call for population-based district reorganisation.