New Delhi: Kerala Congress is mounting pressure on UDF leaders for a Rajya Sabha seat during the discussions for rejoining the coalition. Muslim League, main ally of the coalition, has openly supported the demand thus putting the Rajya Sabha seat of Congress in doubt.
The discussion to be held among IUML general secretary PK Kunhalikutty, Kerala Congress leader Jose K. Mani and Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, will be crucial in this regard.
Congress had three seats and Muslim League and Kerala Congress one each in Rajya Sabha. As Joy Abraham retired, Kerala Congress has become devoid of a Rajya Sabha berth. Muslim League is openly supporting the demand of Kerala Congress for a Rajya Sabha seat.
PK Kunhalikutty, who had taken the initiative in maneuvering Mani back to the coalition, had offered to support latter’s reasonable demands. It is in this context Kunhalikutty was called for discussions with the High Command.
If Congress refuses to give up the RS seat, they will have to cede to other demands put forward by Mani. Kerala Congress may concede if they are offered more seats in the upcoming legislative assembly elections.
Mani had complained regarding allotting the seats of Taliparamb and Alathur, where the prospect of winning was too low.
Kerala Congress also asks for a fair approach from state leaders of Congress. Kerala Congress is still pained over the vigilance case against KM Mani. The attitude of Ramesh Chennithala was too unhelpful in this regard.
The rapport between the workers of the two parties also has suffered a grave damage. Mani's party is seeking assurance from High Command in this regard too.
For Congress, which is in a weak position in the state, Muslim League's stance is important in this regard. It is also important to steer Mani into the alliance before Lok Sabha elections. Though the coalition suffered a defeat in Chengannur, Kerala Congress's support is needed in several constituencies in mid-Travancore.
High Command cannot deliberate on other subjects without settling the issues regarding Rajya Sabha seat. Kunhalikutty has held discussions with AICC general secretary Oommen Chandy, Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC President MM Hassan. Jose K. Mani who is in Delhi also took part in the discussions on Wednesday.