Muslim League appoints Hindu leader as Vice President, a first in IUML history; Who is C. Shyam?

New Delhi: Kerala's United Democratic Front (UDF) ally IUML has for the first time given one of the top posts of the organisation to a Hindu leader. On Wednesday, IUML made changes in the organisation in Kerala and announced 61-year-old C Shyam as its new vice president. Shyam was earlier the state leader of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Shyam has been with IUML since 2010.

This decision comes at a time when the IUML has removed all its ministers and MLAs from various organizational positions. This is the first time in the Muslim League's history that a non-Muslim leader has been given such a top organizational position.

Who is C Shyam?

C. Shyam comes from an influential Nair family in central Kerala. His uncle, R. Sankaranarayanan Thambi, was the first Speaker of the state Assembly. Shyam left left-wing politics in 2010 and joined the IUML. Over the past 15 years, he has held various organizational responsibilities, from a local party worker to a vice-president. Now, after being appointed vice-president, the party has given him charge of Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, where the Muslim League traditionally lacks influence.

Why is the decision of Muslim League important?

This move by the IUML comes at a highly sensitive political time. The party is currently facing dual challenges. While the CPI(M) frequently accuses the Muslim League of communal polarization, it also faces pressure from radical sections within the Muslim community. By appointing C. Shyam as vice president, the party seeks to shed its Muslim-centric image and present itself as a broad and inclusive political party.

What did Shyam say?

Following his appointment, C. Shyam said he would fulfill his new role with utmost sincerity. "I am extremely happy and honored to be the first non-Muslim state vice-president of the IUML," he said in a statement. "I have been associated with the party since 2010 as a simple worker. Over the past 15 years, I have fulfilled all the responsibilities the party has given me with utmost sincerity and I will fulfill this new role with utmost sincerity."