LDF for initial talks on alliance expansion

Thiruvananthapuram: As CPM and CPI has stepped in for preparations for Lok Sabha elections, Left Democratic Front (LDF) leadership has entered into initial talks for expansion of the alliance. The front will have to take immediate decisions on how to accommodate within the Front itself the parties who are cooperating from outside.

Nine parties are cooperating with the alliance at present. Lok Tantrik Dal, Indian National League (INL), Janadhipatya Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (B), RSP (Kovur Kunjumon faction), Kerala Congress (B), National Secular Conference, JSS, CMP and others are the parties.

Discussion on INL and Lok Tantrik Dal are on the agenda. However, the matter was not discussed at the last two meetings of the Front. This has irked the leadership of both the parties. Janadhipatya Kerala Congress is also unhappy over the sluggishness in the matter.

CPM leadership favours taking all the parties in together, and has kicked off discussion with several parties in this regard.

LDF Convenor A. Vijayaraghavan told Madhyamam that a decision will be taken after a consensus among the front.

"(we) will proceed alliance expansion. Also, (we) will hold discussion with those who are keen to join the alliance, too," he said.

CPI's stand also is critical. The party bats for priority to INL and Lok Tantrik Dal. I f a consensus is not reached with regard to small parties, the alliance will have to come out with a clear justification to convince CPI on taking smaller parties.