Malappuram: When the vote counting concludes on May 4, two major questions loom over a potential UDF victory - Who will be the Chief Minister, and will the Muslim League secure the Deputy CM post?

The debate regarding Deputy CM post for the League began well before the elections, largely fueled by external observers and the media. While the League initially remained guarded—with P K Kunhalikutty explicitly stating the party had made no such demand—Panakkad family hinted that the party deserves the position. The current stance of the leadership appears to be one of quiet receptivity: they won't publicly demand it, but they would certainly welcome it.

Some leaders believe the post should be awarded to P K Kunhalikutty as a mark of respect for his role as the UDF’s master strategist. However, there is a strong sense of caution within the party to avoid any front-level friction, mindful of the historical "fifth minister" controversy.

A look at history

Kerala has seen only three Deputy Chief Ministers in history, two of whom were from the Muslim League. It has been 39 years since the state last held this position:

  • R Sankar (Congress): (From Feb 22, 1960 to Sept 26, 1962) The state’s first Deputy CM, serving under Pattom Thanu Pillai for two years and 216 days before eventually becoming Chief Minister.
  • C H Mohammed Koya (IUML): (From Dec 28, 1981 to Mar 17,  1982 and From May 24, 1982 to Sept 28, 1983) Served as Deputy CM twice in K Karunakaran’s second and third Cabinets after having already served as CM. He held the post until his demise.
  • K Avukader Kutty Naha (IUML): (From Oct 24, 1983 to Mar 25, 1987) The longest-serving Deputy CM (for three years and 152 days). He took over the role in K Karunakaran's third Cabinet following the death of C H Mohammed Koya.