The IUML on Wednesday named its veteran P.K. Kunhalikutty as the candidate for the Malappuram Lok Sabha by-election in Kerala due in April.
The election was caused by the death of Indian Union Muslim League leader E. Ahamed last month.
"Even though Kunhalikutty will become part of national politics through this election, he will continue to be actively involved in state politics. He will submit his nomination on March 20," IUML supreme leader Panakkad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal said.
Kunhalikutty, 65, has been a legislator since 1982 and the state Industries Minister for more than 14 years.
His only electoral defeat in assembly elections came in 2006 when he was defeated by present Local Self Governments Minister K.T. Jaleel.
Kunhalikutty is now a legislator from Vengara, which is part of the Malappuram Lok Sabha seat.
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--IANS
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