The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest constituent of Kerala's ruling united Democratic Front, on Saturday ruled out any alliance with the Communist Party of India-Marxist, the mainstay of the opposition Left Democratic Front.
"In no way, will there be any sort of alliance with the CPI-M. We are steadfastly attached with the UDF and our aim is to further strengthen the UDF. Hence there will be no change in our stand," IUML's supreme leader Panakad Syed Hyderali Shihab Thangal told reporters here.
There had been speculation over IUML's intentions after its strong position on seat-sharing in the local body polls in the Malappuram district, where it is a formidable force, had upset the Congress and lead to several seats witnessing a friendly contest between the two.
The issue was further fuelled as top leaders of the CPI-M, which all through has been attacking the IUML for its strong communal stand, including politburo members Pinarayi Vijayan and M.A.Baby and state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, went soft.