Malappuram ,August 24
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has renewed its demand for the bifurcation of Malappuram after Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan initiated discussions on creating a new district centred on Muvattupuzha.
The party said population should be the primary criterion for reorganising Kerala’s districts and insisted that Malappuram must receive priority if the government proceeds with the formation of new administrative units. The demand has also received support from the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama and the Solidarity Youth Movement.
Formed in 1969, Malappuram had a population exceeding 41 lakh according to the 2011 Census and covers approximately 3,550 sq. km. The district comprises seven taluks, 16 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha constituencies. Parts of the Wayanad parliamentary constituency also fall within its boundaries.
Supporters of bifurcation argue that Malappuram’s large population has placed considerable pressure on the district administration and affected the delivery of government services. They maintain that smaller administrative units would improve governance, accelerate infrastructure development and ensure more focused planning.
The demand has also gained momentum within the ruling United Democratic Front. After the UDF assumed power, its Malappuram leadership passed a resolution urging the government to actively consider dividing the district. A delegation headed by IUML leader K.P.A. Majeed subsequently met the Chief Minister, though no concrete action followed.
IUML state general secretary P.M.A. Salam alleged that Malappuram was being discriminated against as it received broadly the same administrative facilities as far less populous districts such as Pathanamthitta.
Salam said the demand should not be viewed solely as a Malappuram issue and called for the reorganisation of all districts with disproportionately large populations. If population were properly considered, Malappuram would have to be divided into three districts, he said.
IUML MLA P.K. Navas had earlier compared Malappuram with Ernakulam, noting that Ernakulam has around 32 lakh residents across 3,068 sq. km., while Malappuram has approximately 41.3 lakh people spread over 3,550 sq. km.
Solidarity Youth Movement state general secretary T. Ismail said Malappuram should receive first priority in any district reorganisation, arguing that successive governments had failed to adequately address Malabar’s administrative and developmental imbalance.
