Kozhikode: The second round of seat-sharing talks in the United Democratic Front (UDF) has ended in a stalemate after Congress refused Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)’s demand for a third Lok Sabha constituency to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. IUML is asking for either Palakkad or Kasaragod, along with Malappuram and Ponnani. The first meeting held in Ernakulam on January 26 too couldn't arrive at a consensus.
A final call will be taken in a meeting scheduled at Panakkad. It will be presided over by IUML leader Hyderali Shihab Thangal on March 6, IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty MP said.
IUML state general secretary KPA Majeed, national treasurer PV Abdul Wahab MP and MK Muneer MLA participated in the meeting with Congress leaders Mullappally Ramachandran, who is the KPCC president, and Benny Behanan, the UDF convener.
Congress ties with IUML are half-a-century old. That bond is strong, said Mullappally.
Kunhalikutty said IUML was confident of resolving the issue. The party will only stake claim to something it deserves, he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress will hold talks with Kerala Congress (M) on March 3 and discuss election preparations at a KPCC meeting the next day, said opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.
It is normal for allies to demand more seats (ahead of elections). But people’s choices and coalition unity have to be considered before taking a decision, Chennithala added.
CPI makes headway
In the rival Left Democratic Front (LDF) camp, the CPI has reportedly finalised a list of probable candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The district leaderships of the party have prepared lists comprising three names each.
Formal discussions on seat-sharing in the LDF will begin today. The CPI’s executive will meet on March 3 and council the next day. The short lists prepared
by the district leaders will be discussed during these meetings.
CPI national leadership is meeting on March 5 and 6, after which the candidates will be announced.
