LS seat sharing: LDF begins bilateral talks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF has begun bilateral talks on the seat-sharing with the constituent partners for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. This was announced by LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan while speaking to reporters after the LDF meeting. He said a few of the constituents had demanded additional seats and a decision would be taken after the bilateral talks were completed.
“New constituents have come to the LDF and naturally there will be claims for seats from the constituents.Bilateral talks are being held in this regard and winnability alone will be the criteria allocating seats,” said Vijayaraghavan.
As far as the LDF is concerned, seat sharing will not be a difficult task and the bilateral talks will end smoothly. The talks are also being held to chart out the campaign plan in each district.
There were reports that the Kerala Congress faction led by Francis George and NCP have sought seats in the ensuing elections. Francis George is eying Kottayam or Pathanamthitta seats. The NCP has also staked a claim for Pathanamthitta seat. Meanwhile, INL has demanded Kasaragod seat. In the LDF meeting, it has been decided to conclude the bilateral talks before March 2.
The LDF convener said that the front had already decided to organize marches in all the assembly constituencies to propagate the achievements of the LDF government. The campaign would also point out the anti-people policies of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury will inaugurate the march led by CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran on February 16 at Kasaragod. Another march led by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan will begin from Thiruvananthapuram on February 14 which will be inaugurated by CPI general secretary Sudhakar Reddy. Both the marches will conclude in Thrissur on March 2.
The LDF has observed that it had the most favourable atmosphere in the state. “The LDF government in the state is leading the state into progress and the people have realised the capability of the government during last year’s flood,” he said.