Archive · 25 Aug 2026
IUML Seeks Population-Based District Reorganisation Across Kerala for Fair Resources
The Indian Union Muslim League wants Kerala to review how its districts are organised.
It says population should be an important factor when deciding district boundaries and resources.
The party compared Malappuram, with more than 45 lakh people, with Pathanamthitta, which has about 10 lakh.
It said both districts receive similar district-level facilities.
The IUML says its proposal is not only about dividing Malappuram.
It also says it is not specifically demanding a new district with Tirur as its headquarters.
Separately, organisations have long sought a separate Muvattupuzha district.
That district could include parts of eastern Ernakulam and low-lying areas of Idukki.
V D Satheesan said the proposal would be examined by a Delimitation Commission.
The IUML called for Kerala’s districts to be reorganised according to population to ensure fair resource distribution.
P M A Salam said the party was not specifically seeking to divide Malappuram or create a Tirur-headquartered district.
Salam contrasted Malappuram’s population of over 45 lakh with Pathanamthitta’s roughly 10 lakh.
He said districts with different populations currently receive similar district-level facilities, creating potential resource disparities.
V D Satheesan said the demand for a separate Muvattupuzha district would be considered through a proposed Delimitation Commission.
- Who
- The Indian Union Muslim League, P M A Salam, V D Satheesan, Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, and organisations seeking a separate Muvattupuzha district.
- What
- The IUML demanded population-based district reorganisation, while the separate Muvattupuzha district proposal is also under consideration.
- When
- The IUML statement was made on Monday, a day after V D Satheesan discussed the Muvattupuzha demand.
- Where
- Kerala, including Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
- Why
- The IUML says population-based reorganisation is needed to prevent unequal resource allocation and ensure citizens receive fair facilities.
Supporters of Reorganisation
Opponents and Cautious Critics
Population-based district planning
Supporters of Reorganisation
The IUML says districts should be reorganised according to population to promote equitable resource distribution and access to facilities.
Opponents and Cautious Critics
Right-wing political outfits oppose the League’s demand, saying it could have wider political implications.
Separate Muvattupuzha district
Supporters of Reorganisation
Muvattupuzha organisations and MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan support creating a district from parts of eastern Ernakulam and low-lying Idukki, citing the region’s development concerns.
Opponents and Cautious Critics
The proposal has not been approved; V D Satheesan said it would be formally examined through a proposed Delimitation Commission.
- IUML proposal
- Reorganise Kerala’s districts based on population rather than creating a district for one particular region.
- Malappuram population
- More than 45 lakh, according to P M A Salam.
- Pathanamthitta population
- Around 10 lakh, according to P M A Salam.
- Resource concern
- The IUML said Malappuram and Pathanamthitta receive the same district-level facilities despite their population difference.
- Muvattupuzha proposal
- Create a district from parts of eastern Ernakulam and low-lying areas of Idukki.
- Proposed review body
- V D Satheesan said a Delimitation Commission would consider the Muvattupuzha request.
