Even as the Congress is aggressively engaged in preparing its list of candidates, the party’s allies in the United Democratic Front (UDF), including key partners such as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the P.J. Joseph-led Kerala Congress (KC), seem disillusioned by the inordinate delay in finalising seat-sharing and seat-swapping arrangements for the upcoming Assembly polls.
The protracted stalemate has now sparked concern not only among the rank-and-file but senior leaders as well of these parties over the coalition’s campaign footing. They fear that lack of a cohesive strategy is squandering crucial time, allowing the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to gain a decisive head start in the elections.
While multiple rounds of discussions have taken place between the Congress and some allies, such as the IUML, sources said “serious and structured” negotiations were yet to begin with others.
Within the IUML, senior leaders acknowledge that talks, largely centred on seat swaps, have been held with the Congress and that certain understandings have emerged. “However, further consensus is needed. The delay is affecting grassroots-level preparations,” said a senior IUML functionary.
