For the first time in its 75-plus-year history since being established in 1948, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has appointed two women—including one from the Dalit community—to its national leadership. Jayanthi Rajan, a Dalit leader from Wayanad in Kerala, and Fathima Muzaffer, a corporation councillor from Tamil Nadu, were named national assistant secretaries during a party event held in Chennai on Thursday (May 15, 2025).

Fathima Muzaffer currently serves as the president of IUML’s National Women’s League, while Jayanthi Rajan holds the position of joint secretary in the same wing.

IUML Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab welcomed the decision, calling it a much-needed step toward gender inclusion. “This was a necessary move. Although we have a dedicated women’s wing, there were no women in the national leadership. The times and society have changed—and so must we,” he said.

Highlighting the party’s ongoing efforts to include marginalized communities, Mr. Wahab added that the IUML has always given importance to the SC/ST population. When asked if the appointments were aimed at challenging the perception of the IUML as a male-dominated party, he responded, “All parties, globally, have been male-dominated. We’ve now taken the first step to change that by providing more opportunities for women.”

Jayanthi Rajan, who belongs to the Other Eligible Communities (OEC), described the development as a landmark moment. “This is the first time women have been inducted into the national leadership in over 75 years. It is a proud and historic moment for me,” she told PTI.

Rajan shared that she became involved in social work in 2008 and joined the IUML in 2010. Her political journey was partly inspired by her father-in-law, a Congress local leader. She said IUML initially approached him with an offer to bring her into the party.

She noted that her exact responsibilities in the new role have yet to be communicated by the party.

According to Mr. Wahab, Ms. Muzaffer is also the daughter of a former IUML national president and Member of Parliament.