Dalit leader from Wayanad makes history as Muslim League’s first woman national office-bearer
Wayanad, Kerala – In a significant move aimed at addressing long-standing criticism over lack of representation, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) appointed two women – Jayanthi Rajan from Kerala and Fathima Muzaffar from Tamil Nadu – as national office-bearers. This is the first time in IUML’s history that women have been appointed to national-level leadership positions.
The announcement was made during the party’s National General Council meeting held on Thursday, signalling a major shift in IUML's approach towards inclusivity, especially concerning gender, caste, and religious diversity.
46-year-old Jayanthi Rajan, a Dalit leader from Irulam in Wayanad, Kerala, has been a long-time associate of the party. Her political journey with IUML began in 2008 through her involvement with the Women’s League. She formally became a member of the party in 2010 and has since held several key posts, including National General Secretary of the Women’s League and State President of the Dalit League (Women).
Her entry into electoral politics was marked by a victory in 2010 from the Puthadi Panchayat, a women-reserved seat. She also served as the Standing Committee Chairperson of the Panamaram Block Panchayat.
Coming from a Congress-leaning family, Jayanthi was actively involved with Shreyas, a social service organisation in Sultan Bathery. It was through this platform that she first began collaborating with the Muslim League’s social initiatives.
“This came as a totally unexpected choice,” Jayanthi said while speaking to Onmanorama on her return to Wayanad. She also expressed gratitude to the party for their support. “People may call the League a communal party, but that’s absolutely wrong. This is not a party based solely on religion. They have always treated me like a dear sister,” she added.
Jayanthi credits her father-in-law, Irulath Ramankutty, a former president of the Bathery Block Panchayat, for motivating her to join the League. Her husband Rajan and their children are also active IUML members. Her son is a software engineer while her daughter is pursuing a BDS degree.
Despite not being able to continue her studies after Class XII, Jayanthi enrolled for a BA in Sociology from IGNOU four years ago. Although family responsibilities delayed her academic journey, she remains committed to completing the course.
IUML’s decision to appoint women at the national level comes amid increasing pressure over its handling of gender-related issues. The party had faced backlash in 2021 for disbanding the Haritha State Committee after its leaders raised complaints about misogynistic remarks by male counterparts in the Muslim Students Federation (MSF). While the committee was later reconstituted, the incident sparked debate over the party’s approach to women’s participation.
Disciplinary action against former Haritha members was withdrawn in 2024, and they were offered key positions in the Muslim Youth League – a development seen as an attempt to heal internal divisions.
Speaking about the Haritha controversy, Jayanthi remained cautious but optimistic. “It was the wish of the youth. Even if ideological differences exist, we will bring everyone under the party’s umbrella. They are the future of the Women’s League,” she said.
IUML has historically fielded very few women candidates. Noorbina Rasheed’s candidacy in the 2021 Kozhikode Assembly election came after a 25-year gap since Qamarunnisa Anwar contested in 1996.
Jayanthi sees her appointment not just as personal recognition but as part of a broader shift within the IUML. “This is a party decision. We will stand by the party’s decisions and move forward together,” she said.
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BBMP issues guidelines for eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has released new guidelines aimed at ensuring a more environmentally conscious celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi this year.
BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao chaired a meeting to discuss a complete prohibition on the use of chemical paints, thermocol, and Plaster of Paris (PoP) in idol-making, as reported by Deccan Herald on Thursday. Any idols made from these materials will be confiscated and disposed of in accordance with established regulations.
The meeting emphasised the importance of using eco-friendly Ganesha idols made from natural clay, which are both safer for the environment and easier to immerse.
Strict enforcement and legal action
Criminal cases will be filed against individuals found creating idols using the banned materials. To ensure compliance, nodal officers from BBMP sub-divisions, along with officials from the police, fire, and Bescom departments, will oversee the manufacturing and sale of these idols.
Streamlined permitting process for public installations
For those wishing to set up public Ganesha idols, the BBMP has introduced a streamlined system to simplify the approval process. Citizens will need to apply at the offices of assistant executive engineers, designated as nodal officers, at the sub-divisional level. In an effort to expedite permissions, 75 single-window centres will be set up at these sub-divisional offices, where officers from the BBMP, police, Bescom, and the fire department will be available to grant necessary approvals.
Encouraging sustainable practices during the festival
The BBMP's guidelines also encourage residents to immerse small, eco-friendly idols at home and reuse the residual clay for gardening. Additionally, any wet waste generated during the festival will be processed through BBMP's waste management units, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
