The Indian Union Muslim League was formed in Chennai on 10th March 1948 with the following aims and objectives.

• To uphold, defend, maintain, and assist in upholding, defending and maintaining the independence, freedom and honour of the Indian Union and to work for and contribute towards the ever increasing strength, prosperity and happiness of the people.
• To secure and protect the rights and interests of the Muslims and other minorities in the state and
• To promote mutual understanding, goodwill, amity, cordiality, harmony and unity between the Muslims and every other community of India.

The IUML has been working since its inception true to its objectives and upholds the ideals of secular democracy and social justice. It has a vision of safeguarding the cultural identity of the Muslims, making them capable of  their share to nation building and to equip them to face the challenges of changing times with religious commitment and national outlook.

The IUML has been represented in Parliament right from 1952 to present day. In Kerala it has the illustrious record of leading the cabinet once. late C.H. Mohammed Koya, the charismatic leader of the party, became the Chief Minister of Kerala in 1979. In alliance with Indian National Congress and other secular parties Muslim League has been doing its best under the banner of United Democratic Front. Kerala shows the way to the Muslims of other parts of the Country. In Kerala under the able leadership of Syed Abdurahiman Bafakhy Thangal, K.M. Seethi Sahib; Panakkad P.M.S.A Pookoya Thangal and Syed Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal it has become a political power nobody can ignore. The party in Kerala has the admirably brilliant record of participation in cabinets at various times in coalition Governments, holding portfolios like Education, Home, Industries, Public works, Local administration, Social welfare, Fisheries etc,.

During the beginning of seventies IUML had ministers in West Bengal also. Leading a contingent of seven MLAs in state assembly late A.K.A. Hassanussaman was the league representative in Ajoy Mukherji ministry. The party had representation in various legislative assemblies at various times. Apart from Kerala and West Bengal, IUML had MLAs in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Maharastra, Karanataka, UP, and Assam and there were members in Delhi Metropolitan Council and Mayors in various Municipal Corporations.

IUML stands firm in its commitment to secular democratic principles and envisages that the future of Muslims and other sections of the people depends on the sustainability of the democratic structure led by secular forces. In alliance with the secular democratic parties, IUML firmly believes that the identity and security of the community could be ensured. Time has proved that the decision of the IUML to align with progressive secular forces is a patriotic farsighted policy.
IUML has always been in the forefront to protect the rights of minorities. It could reflect the sentiments of the Muslim community in the every aspect of the law making of our country. Protection of the Religious Places of worship Act, Divorced Muslim Women Protection Bill, Alighar Muslin University Bill, etc., are few to cite the telling influence league has exerted to safeguard the interest of the community.

The dawn of the new century has witnessed the ascendance of the IUML in national political scenario. As a constituent of United Progressive Alliance, IUML could muster the support of the minorities and other backward communities for UPA. IUML has representation in UPA Government since 2004. Mr. E. Ahamed who became the president of IUML following the demise of G.M.Banatwalla, is the Minister of State for Railways since 2009. He was the Minister of State for External Affairs in the first UPA government (2004-2009). In all respect this is a gesture of recognition of the services of IUML which is an eloquent testimony to the fact that IUML has a vital role to play in the secular consolidation of our country. Now the party has three members in Loksabha and one in Rajysaba.

IUML represents the sober, balanced views of the masses. It shuns all forms of extremism and violence and vehemently opposes communal outfits and divisive forces. It assumes itself a role to mobilise the political will of the community to strengthen the secular democratic fabric of our country.

It stands for social justice and inclusive governance. It demands for allocating quotas in governmental appointments to Muslims and other weaker sections proportionate to their population. It earnestly hopes that the Government will formulate plans to alleviate the pathetic conditions of the Muslims in the light of the findings of the Sachar Committee in its report. IUML understands that political empowerment of the down trodden is the need of the day.

(Extracts from the paper presented by Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen Ex. MP, General Secretary, IUML
at IUML National Delegates Conference, Bangalore on 15th and 16th January, 2010.)