The Indian Union Muslim League’s (IUML) decision to drop its strident demand for a third Lok Sabha seat has put the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) on a campaign footing.
By agreeing to accept a Rajya Sabha berth in return, the IUML has inadvertently put pressure on the Congress leadership to finalise its candidate list fast.
The Congress is contesting in 16 Lok Sabha seats. It has accorded Malappuram and Ponnani to the IUML, Kottayam to Kerala Congress (Joseph) and Kollam to the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP).