The former Sri Lanka Muslim Congress group leader in the Eastern Provincial Council A. M. Jameel joined the All Ceylon Makkal Congress led by Minister Rishad Bathiudeed and is contesting the general election under the Peacock symbol in Digamadulla District.
Mr. Jameel wrote a critical letter to SLMC leadership a few days ago, saying that he is frustrated, especially because a certain MP continues to block his development programmes in Kalmunai area.
Political sources from the Eastern Province said that Mr. Jameelโs defection is a significant blow for the SLMC, especially in Ampara District (Digamadulla Electoral District). Along with Mr. Jameel several other prominent SLMC members from the east have joined ACMC recently. The ACMC, traditionally strong in the Wanni, has built up a strong support base in certain parts of the SLMC strongholds in the east.
The ACMC contests the general election under its symbol in Digamadulla and Wanni. Although the SLMC is still strong in its strongholds in Batticaloa, the ACMC has started โeating upโ its support base in Digamadulla.
ACMC face a head-on contest only in Wanni District, where Rishad Bathiudeen remains a popular figure among the Muslim community in the Wanni District.
Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress