Shoukath begins campaign on an emotional note

Indian Union Muslim League Malappuram district president Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal (left) leading a prayer for UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath (in the middle) when the latter visited him at Panakkad on Tuesday. IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty (second from left), DCC president V.S. Joy (second from right) and Muslim Youth League State president Syed Munawwarali Shihab Thangal are with him.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN

United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath launched his campaign for the Nilambur Assembly byelection on an emotional note on Tuesday by visiting his father and former Congress veteran Aryadan Mohammed’s grave, where he broke down in tears.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Mr. Shoukath whimpered at the grave as District Congress Committee (DCC) president V.S. Joy, who was a strong contender for the Nilambur candidacy, enveloped him in a warm caress and lifted him up. It was a moment of raw emotion.

Mr. Shoukath later paid floral tributes to V.V. Prakash, the former DCC president who contested from Nilambur in 2021 but died of a heart attack two days before the counting of votes, at his memorial. Prakash had lost to Left Democratic Front (LDF)‘s Independent candidate P.V. Anvar by 2,700 votes.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath breaking down at the grave of his father Aryadan Mohammed at Nilambur on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

Mr. Shoukath then proceeded to Panakkad, the spiritual and ideological hub of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), where he paid respects to the late Syed P.M.S.A. Pookoya Thangal, his sons Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal and Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal. Recognising and honouring the legacy and spiritual leadership of the Panakkad Thangals marked a significant departure from the tradition followed by the Aryadans.

A shift in political dynamics was evident as Mr. Shoukath chose to pay respects to the Panakkad Thangals, a gesture that starkly contrasted with his late father’s stance. Aryadan Mohammed had never acknowledged the spiritual authority of the Panakkad family during his lifetime.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath paying floral tributes at the memorial to former DCC president V.V. Prakash at Nilambur on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

“I specifically wanted to kickstart my campaign by paying my respects to the Thangal and seeking their blessings. It gives me a renewed energy and increased confidence now,” said Mr. Shoukath after praying at the Thangals’ graves.

He held discussions with IUML Malappuram district president Syed Abbasali Shihab Thangal and Muslim Youth League State president Syed Munawwarali Shihab Thangal. They had lunch together at Mr. Munawwarali’s Kodappanakkal house. IUML State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal was away in Makkah as part of a Haj delegation. Mr. Shoukath spoke to Mr. Sadikali Thangal over the phone and requested his special prayers during the Haj.

UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath praying at the graves of Syed Mohammedali and Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangals at Panakkad on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

“Mr. Shoukath’s interventions in the socio-cultural arena have elevated Nilambur’s stature worldwide,” said Mr. Munawwarali Thangal.

IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty, State general secretary P.M.A. Salam, and several other leaders of the IUML and the Congress were present.

Later, he attended a UDF meeting at Nilambur, which Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan inaugurated. Several UDF leaders, including P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP, Mr. Kunhalikutty, A.P. Anil Kumar, MLA, V.S. Joy, P. Abdul Hameed, MLA, and Mr. Salam, attended the meeting.

Mr. Shoukath will visit Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar at Markazu Saqafathi Sunniyya at Karanthur, Kozhikode, on Wednesday morning.