Kollam: A senior Communist Party of India Marxist leader from Kollam district has joined the Indian Union Muslim League, citing concerns over the Left party’s internal approach to secularism.
Suja Chandrababu, associated with CPI(M) for nearly three decades and a former member of its Kollam District Committee, joined the IUML on Thursday. IUML state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal formally inducted her into the party, which forms part of the Congress led United Democratic Front in Kerala.
Speaking after her induction, Chandrababu said CPI(M) projects secular values in public discourse while failing to uphold similar principles within party structures. She described IUML as a secular and inclusive platform and said this conviction guided her political shift.
She also pointed to recent public statements by CPI(M) leaders targeting the IUML. According to her, such attacks reflected a growing distance from inclusive politics. She said her decision followed careful reflection on these developments.
Her move comes days after senior CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty joined the Congress. The developments indicate visible churn within the Left ranks in the state.
Earlier this week, former CPI(M) legislator S Rajendran joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Rajendran had represented the Devikulam constituency in the past. He stated his decision stemmed from development concerns linked to his district. He clarified he placed no conditions before joining the BJP and ruled out contesting future elections from Devikulam.
Political observers view these exits as signs of shifting loyalties across party lines in Kerala, a state known for stable political affiliations. Chandrababu’s entry into the Muslim League adds a new dimension to debates around secularism, inclusion, and internal democracy within established political formations.
 leader Suja Chandrababu joins the Indian Union Muslim League, citing concerns over internal secular practices and growing political shifts in Kerala.){kind=link}