KOTTAYAM: The Congress High Command has welcomed NCP leader Mani C Kappan, who is not on good terms with the Left Front. The indication is that the Congress High Command has informed the state leadership that Kappan can be accepted into the Congress if he leaves the Left and that he should contest in Pala in hand symbol. Though the High Command has given permission for Congress to enter the party, the situation is still not clear.

The rest will depend on whether Mani C Kappan alone or the NCP as a whole joins the UDF. In any case, everyone is looking forward to Sharad Pawar's stance as it has become clear that the Saseendran group will not join the UDF. The national leadership has not yet made a definite decision on whether the NCP will leave the Left Front. Mani C Kappan has told Sharad Pawar that sitting seats including Pala will be lost and that the Rajya Sabha seat should not be expected from the LDF.

Party state president Peethambaran master is also in favor of joining the UDF. But Pawar is of the view that the Left Front has the potential to continue to rule in Kerala. It is this possibility that drags him back from leaving the front. But Pawar is also not interested in losing the sitting seat and remain in the Left Front.