Malappuram: After a rather long wait of 18 years, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has got its second Rajya Sabha seat from Kerala. In 1979, when the UDF came into existence, the IUML had two Rajya Sabha seats. This was reduced to one in 2006 when Abdusamad Samdani’s term expired. 

The possibility of a second seat in the Rajya Sabha was expected due to the Muslim League’s firm demand for a third Lok Sabha seat this time. The current Rajya Sabha member P.V Abdul Wahab’s tenure is till April 23, 2027. The Congress has promised the League two members in the upper house of the parliament. In Tamil Nadu too, as part of the DMK front, IUML is demanding an additional Rajya Sabha seat. IUML state general secretary PMA Salam is the likely candidate for the Rajya Sabha seat. Youth League representatives are also being considered.

Barring a five-year gap (2010-15), there have been IUML representatives in the Rajya Sabha ever since 1952. So far, six persons from Kerala have reached the Rajya Sabha in this manner in 14 terms.

Ibrahim Sulaiman Seth (1960-1966)
B.V Abdulla Koya (1967-73, 1974-98)
Hameed Ali Shamnad (1970-79)
MP Abdussamad Samadani (1994-2006)
Korambail Ahmed Haji (1998-2003)
P.V Abdul Wahab (2004-2010, 2015-present)

BV Abdulla Koya was elected five times. Samadani and Hamid Ali Shamnad twice and this is Abdul Wahab’s third turn. On the other hand, four IUML representatives  have reached the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu. At one point (1972), there were as many as three MPs at a time. 

Qaide Millat Muhammed Ismail (1952-58)
AKA Abdulsamad (1968-80)
AK Rifai (1972-78)

The Muslim League has a history of having five MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu simultaneously in the Rajya Sabha.