THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sources say that Muslim League, the second-largest party in UDF, is withdrawing its earlier demand of 30 seats. League has decided not to strongly demand more seats. UDF insiders also consider it as a strategy to reduce the bargaining capacity of other parties in the front. This time, League holds the view that Congress should contest in maximum number of seats and win. The move comes when CPM’s campaign on communal ties between Congress and League is gaining further strength.

Compared to the 2016 assembly polls, League has demanded six more seats this time. But Congress has agreed to give only two seats and League’s leadership has said not to give more emphasis on the additional four seats. It is expected that in the wake of left campaign gaining further momentum, it could further weaken Congress. Leaders of both Congress and League have discussed these issues.

League is now gearing up to help win Congress in maximum number of seats. With the rejoining of Oommen Chandy, a renewed enthusiasm is visible in the working of League’s workers. Chandy’s presence has also put seat distribution with the League also on fast track mode. Congress has agreed to give Chelakara and Iravipuram as extra seats in the current discussions. As the league leaders were not satisfied, Congress might give Koothuparambu to them but now, it is to be seen that whether League will field a candidate against K K Shylaja in Koothuparamabu.

Congress has also demanded certain seats held by League, like Guruvayoor. A compromise formula has been made for this purpose. For Guruvayoor, League has demanded Thavanoor or some other seat having a higher winning possibility. Under the present circumstance, League is likely to close its seat demand with two seats.