Seat sharing talks in limbo

Thiruvananthapuram: Seat sharing talks in both the LDF and UDF are in limbo with constituents demanding larger share in the pie.

Groupism is taking the toll both in the Congress and BJP. Infighting in main constituents has hit both seat sharing talks and choice of candidates in UDF as well as NDA.

No agreement could be reached at LDF meet held on Sunday with minor constituents sticking to their seats demand for additional seats. Next meeting is scheduled for April 5 as no agreement is in sight.

Though four seats have become available for sharing with the RSP leaving the front,  more seats will have to be found for new comers such as Janadhipatya Kerala Congress, JSS and Kerala Congress (Pillai).  The CPI (M), which is willing to spare a few of its seats wants other constituents too to share the burden.

Mr. Balakrishna Pillai has announced that he would not be contesting the elections, as it has become clear that the party would only get Pathanapuram constituency.

In Congress, the ‘A’ and ‘I’ groups have ganged up against KPCC president V.  M. Sudheeran. The election committee will be meeting on Sunday for further discussions on candidate selection. There are differences not only over candidates but also on the modalities of proposing names to the high command for approval.

Leaders of two groups in BJP has stepped up their Opposition to State president Kummanam Rajasekharan after the Central election committee did not accept candidates for 22 seats finalised by Mr. Rajasekharan. In fact, he had been criticised for announcing the names without clearance from the national leadership.