Amid simmering tensions within the ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) over the State Cabinet’s decision to appoint Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader M.K. Muneer as chairperson of the State Administrative Reforms Commission and Forward Bloc leader G. Devarajan as the State government’s representative in New Delhi, Mr. Muneer on Thursday said he was not someone who ran after positions.
Speaking to mediapersons in Kozhikode, Mr. Muneer said he was unaware of his appointment and had not been officially informed about the Cabinet decision so far.
“I had noticed media reports about my appointment and Mr. Devarajan’s appointment in Delhi the other day, along with some controversies. I am not someone who runs after any position. I do not consider the post of chairperson of the State Administrative Reforms Commission a ceremonial position. It is not a post meant to accommodate anyone,” he said.
Mr. Muneer added: “If the party (IUML) asks me to do something, I am ready. That is my tradition. If I am asked to stay at home, I will do that too.”
On the reported tensions within the UDF, Mr. Muneer said UDF chairperson and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and UDF convener Adoor Prakash should discuss the matter and resolve the issue.
‘Not informed’
Mr. Prakash had earlier on Thursday said that he had not been informed about the Cabinet’s decision on Wednesday to appoint Mr. Muneer and Mr. Devarajan to the two posts, both of which carry Cabinet rank.
Mr. Muneer, a former MLA and Minister, did not contest the 2026 Assembly election. He was appointed chairperson of the administrative reforms commission at the last Cabinet meeting.
Former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan had headed the administrative reforms commission during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. The post did not exist during the second Pinarayi Vijayan government.
Mr. Muneer also said that protests against Ministers were natural and that the important thing was how such protests were handled rather than suppressed.
On the setback suffered by the UDF in the recent local body bypolls, he said the government had assumed office only four months ago and that the results did not constitute an assessment of its performance.
Published – October 01, 2026 08:00 pm IST
