THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allied parties have started asking for their seats even though Front leaderships haven’t yet delved into seat sharing. The state is already into election waves as Front leaderships have started discussions on how to make all allied parties happy without any head ache.

The main Fronts in the state, LDF and UDF, will hold meetings on January 17 to discuss election tactics.

As Congress have made it clear that their candidates would be announced by the end of February, allies have started asking for their shares.

LDF meeting will primarily welcome new allies to the Front and discuss tactics on election campaign. State-wise campaign rally will be decided on that day. However seat sharing won’t be discussed. As per LDF custom, allied parties discuss with CPM leadership and come to a solution.

In 2014, of the 20 UDF seats, 15 were contested by Congress, 2 by IUML, one each by Mani, RSP and Virendra Kumar’s Janatha Dal.

Last time LDF shared their seats among CPM, CPI and Janatha Dal-S. CPM contested in 15 seats while CPI in 4. Janatha Dal-S contested in one seat.

UDF

IUML and Mani group have asked for an extra seat while Jacob group is asking for one. IUML’s preference for the extra seats is one of Kozhikkode, Vadakara and Wayanad. Idukki or Wayanad is Mani group’s request. Jacob group also eyes Idukki.

LDF

The newcomer to LDF, Loktantrik Janatha Dal wishes for a seat at either Vadakara or Kozhikkode. Francis George’s Janathipathya Kerala wishes to contest from Kottayam or Idukki. However none have formally asked for a seat. NCP have asked for a seat at Pathanamthitta.

NDA

BDJS have asked for eight seats. Kerala Congress-PC Thomas group have asked for Kottayam.