Thiruvananthapuram: The first phase of talks between the Congress and the constituent parties of the UDF (United Democratic Front) regarding seat sharing in the Lok Sabha elections has been completed. The last time that the Congress leaders spoke to the parties, two of the constituents, CMP and the Forward Bloc suggested that they be considered for the Rajya Sabha seats instead of Lok Sabha. Congress leadership adopted the stance that Rajya Sabha seats will be decided after the Lok Sabha elections.

With the completion of the first phase of discussions, seat-sharing talks will be held with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) which is demanding an additional seat. Similarly, the Kerala Congress will be intimated regarding the switching of seats. 

The IUML is demanding more than one seat in the Malabar region. If Rahul Gandhi doesn’t contest, the IUML will reportedly demand the Wayanad seat. Apart from this, they are also eyeing the Kannur and Vadakara constituencies. 

At present, the Congress has taken the position that it cannot give away the sitting seats. But unlike usual, the League is strongly standing by its demand for a third seat, P.K Kunhalikutty said.

There is a dispute with the Kerala Congress (M) over the Kottayam seat which was held by the party last time. However, with Jose K Mani changing his allegiance to the LDF, there is a demand within the Congress party that Achu Oommen should contest there. 

In the past few days, Kerala Congress and Kerala Congress (Jacob) held discussions with RSP. The next round of discussions will be held on February 5. The seat sharing is expected to reach a consensus by then.