IUML seeks explanation from leader over presence at Seva Bharati event

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership has sought an explanation from local leader P.K.C. Abdul Rahman over his reported inauguration of an Independence Day event organised by Seva Bharati, an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated organisation.Mr. Rahman is president of the Kondotty block panchayat and a former general secretary of the IUML’s Kondotty constituency committee.He was reported to have inaugurated a road-cleaning drive organised by the Cherukavu unit of Seva Bharati.The Muslim League’s Cherukavu panchayat committee said Mr. Rahman showed “a lack of caution” by attending the event. It said the incident had embarrassed the party and put its workers in a difficult position.The district leadership has asked Mr. Rahman to submit a written explanation within two days. Party sources said further action would be considered after receiving his response.The issue gained political traction after the party’s rivals criticised its elected representative for attending a public event organised by an RSS-affiliated group. A photograph showing Mr. Rahman participating in the cleaning drive with Seva Bharati workers was also circulated on social media.Rahman denies chargesMr. Rahman, however, denied that he had inaugurated the Seva Bharati programme. He said the photograph had been misinterpreted and was taken when he stopped at the spot while travelling to GLP School, Puthukkode, to inaugurate another programme.He said he saw around 20 people clearing grass, bushes and waste from both sides of the Ramanattukara-Cherukavu road. He slowed down after noticing the work, following which two of his friends, Babu and Mani, asked him to take a look.Mr. Rahman said there were no signs or banners indicating that the work was being carried out by Seva Bharati, and those involved did not tell him that they were conducting the drive under its banner. Published - August 19, 2026 03:03 pm IST