Ponnani seeks attention in the 18th Lok Sabha elections largely because of two factors: the presence of K.S. Hamza, an Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) dissident contesting on the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] banner, and the shifting of incumbent MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer to Malappuram. The IUML has entrusted M.P. Abdussamad Samadani, the sitting MP of Malappuram, with the task of defending Ponnani.
Mr. Hamza, formerly Thrissur district secretary of the IUML, appears certain to give a tough fight to his ex-colleague, Mr. Samadani. Although his electoral experience is limited to supervising some previous election campaigns, Mr. Hamza is confident of his extensive contacts with the people. But Mr. Samadani is a veteran Parliamentarian.
Widely recognised as a Malayalam celebrity orator, Mr. Samadani represented the IUML in the Rajya Sabha for 12 years, in the Lok Sabha for three years, and in the Kerala Assembly for five years. He was a member of several Parliament committees during his tenures.
