Churning in UDF

Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front is witnessing a churning with some of its minor constituents reconsidering its relations and splinter groups leaving the Front.

A small faction of RSP led by B. Jayanti, daughter of former Minister V.P. Ramakrishna Pillai, has already left for the Left Democratic Front while leaders remaining with the UDF asserted that it would stay put with the UDF and take every steps to improve its hold in Kollam district. However, one of its legislators Kovoor Kunjumon did not attend the press conference called by the leadership on Saturday.

Differing opinions were voiced at the Kozhikode district council meeting of Janata Dal (United) on leaving the United Democratic Front, accepting the invitation from Left Democratic Front. While the party leadership appeared to be actively considering exit from UDF, its Minister in the Cabinet K. P. Mohanan stoutly opposed the move.

Demand for quitting UDF has been made at the Pathanamthitta district council meeting of the party also. The State Council of the party is scheduled to meet on January 18.  

Meanwhile, JSS general secretary A. N. Rajan Babu changed tune saying that he had no links with the party being formed by SNDP general secretary Vellappally Natesan. It was wrong on his part to have provided legal aid to Mr. Nateswan in the case filed by KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran.

The UDF was considering his ouster from the Front in view of Mr. Babu hobnobbing with Mr. Natesan. UDF convenor P. P. Thankachan said on Saturday that UDF would take a decision shortly. JSS founder K. R. Gouriamma is already estranged from UDF though she has not formally joined the LDF.

Minor constituents have been upping the ante recently in view of the forthcoming seat sharing talks. The Kerala Congress (Jacob) reiterated its demand that it should get four seats on Saturday.