THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress is buzzing with the confidence of election survey results, as they prepare themselves to contest in 16 of the 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala. The remaining four seats will be shared amongst the allied parties. IUML will be allotted two seats with Kerala Congress (M) and RSP sharing one seat each. Other allies have asked for seats, but they might not get any.

Meanwhile, Kerala Congress (M) have asked for two seats. Apart from Kottayam, they would like to get the UDF seat at Idukki and Chalakkudy. The Joseph group in Kerala Congress (M) is firm in their stance for a second seat. However, the Congress might not oblige.

Congress might want Kerala Congress (M) to settle the disputes within the party by themselves. If Kerala Congress (M) ask for two seats, IUML might ask for three which might lead to instability within the front. So, in order to avoid such a situation, the Congress might only allow four seats, like the last Lok Sabha election. The Congress believes that the Mani group won’t toughen their stand for a second seat.

The Congress aims to finish the bilateral talks today. After the conclusion of ‘Janamahayatra’ lead by Mullappally Ramachandran, candidates will be decided.

There is a proposition that MLAs need not contest in the Lok Sabha election. However, there might be some legislator entries. The names of Oommen Chandy, Hibi Eeden, Shafi Parambil and Adoor Prakash is in discussion. However, there are chances for resistance to this idea. So the final decision rests with the High Command. Sitting MPs might get another go at this election. But Mullappally might not contest as he became the KPCC President. Still, if the High Command wants him to contest, this will change.