Kozhikode: The Welfare Party of India was launched in Kerala on Wednesday. Dr Kootil Muhammedali, former president of the Solidarity Youth Movement, was elected the first president of the party in the state.
Other office-bearers elected at the conference are Mr Kareeppuzha Surendran, Ms Prema Pisharadi, Dr P Ahmed Kunji and Mr Abdul Hameed Vaniyambalam (vice-presidents), Mr K Ambujakshan and Mr PA Abdul Hakeem (general secretaries), Mr PA Joseph, Mr KA Shafeeq and Ms Sreeja Neyyattinkara (secretaries) and Prof P Ismail (treasurer). A 30-member state committee also was constituted.
The launching conference took place at the Tagore Hall in Kozhikode city. National vice-president Lalitha Naik hoisted the party flag. Secretary general SQR Ilyas announced the list of the state office-bearers of the party in the conference presided over by vice-president Zafarul Islam Khan. Dr Abdussalam Vaniyambalam, Ms Seema Muhsin, Sikander, Subrahmani, Father Abraham Joseph and PC Hamza also spoke.