KOCHI: The first round of seat-sharing talks ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections remained unsettled as Mani group and IUML was not ready to give up one their stand. The meeting has further decided for second round talks. Mani and Joseph, who were present for the meeting didn’t look face to face.

Discussion started with IUML leadership. The Congress leaders explained the importance of having more Congress MPs at the Lok Sabha. However, Kunhalikutty was not willing to oblige.

The Kerala Congress (M) also asked for an extra seat. The Congress leaders said that there is already a Rajya Sabha seat for KC(M) and the demand for more seats cannot be accepted. The talks remained inconclusive as the parties were not willing to oblige.

“It is their right to demand more seats. But the Congress party has explained its position given the importance of the upcoming elections,” said Chennithala.

IUML leader Kunhalikutty said at the end of their meeting with the Congress leadership that Tuesday’s was only a preliminary round of discussion and the issues raised at today’s meeting would be discussed more elaborately.