UDF expansion likely to happen after Nilambur by-election

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite strong speculations regarding the expansion of the UDF, any developments are likely only after the Nilambur by-election. There are rumours that the Mani Group of the Kerala Congress, which had left the UDF and joined the Left Front, may return. The outcome of the Nilambur by-election is expected to play a decisive role in this matter.

While some have voiced the opinion that the UDF should expand ahead of the upcoming local body elections to strengthen the front, there is also a viewpoint that expansion can wait until after the local elections. Most parties are not interested in being confined to the opposition bench in the assembly once again. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan had hinted that the UDF would expand in unexpected ways — not merely by increasing the number of parties but by bringing in influential ones.

So far, no official discussions on expansion have begun within the UDF. However, the major constituents — including the Congress and the Muslim League — are determined to prevent the Left from continuing in power. It is widely believed that once senior Congress leaders finalise their internal understanding, and the sentiments of alliance partners are gauged, the expansion talks can be actively pursued.

A win in Nilambur is expected to act as a precursor to future electoral victories, and also potentially attract dissatisfied elements from the Left Front. However, a failure in Nilambur may deter many from considering a return. Initially, the Left had not given much importance to the by-election, but they later took it very seriously — even nominating M. Swaraj as the candidate — indicating the high stakes involved.

Currently, eight parties are officially part of the UDF. Groups like the RMP are not formal constituents but offer external support.

UDF constituent parties:

Indian National Congress

Indian Union Muslim League

Kerala Congress (Joseph)

Kerala Congress (Jacob)

Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP)

Communist Marxist Party (CMP)

Forward Bloc

Nationalist Congress Kerala (Mani C. Kappan)

“The expansion process is under consideration. A decision will only be taken after discussions with senior leaders and alliance partners.”
— Adoor Prakash, UDF Convenor